Lower Level Brain Structures

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Lower Level Brain Structures
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Lower Level Brain Structures
These are the inner most levels of your
brain This part of the brain developed first
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The Brainstem

• Brainstem the oldest, most basic part of the
  brain, where the spinal cord swells and becomes
  the brain
• The brainstem is responsible for automatic
  survival functions

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The Brainstem Contd

• Medulla the base of the brainstem
• The Medulla is responsible for basic life support
  functions such as breathing, blood circulation,
  and swallowing
• Damage to this region leads to almost certain
  death

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The Brainstem Contd

• Reticular Formation a nerve network in the
  brainstem that plays an important role in
  controlling wakefulness and arousal
• The reticular formation controls an organisms
  overall level of alertness.
• Damaging this region can result in a coma

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The Thalamus

• Thalamus the brains sensory switchboard,
  located on top of the brainstem
• This part of the brain directs messages to the
  proper regions of the brain for processing

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The Cerebellum

• Cerebellum the little brain attached to the
  rear of the brainstem
• The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements,
  balance, and muscle memory
• Damage to this region would cause problems with
  coordination

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The Limbic System
Limbic System a ring of structures at the
border of the brainstem and cerebral cortex The
limbic system helps regulate functions such as
memory, fear, aggression, hunger, and thirst The
limbic system is made up of the hypothalamus,
hippocampus, and amygdala
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Limbic System Contd
Hypothalamus A neural structure lying below the
thalamus Regulates important functions such as
hunger, thirst, reaction to stress, and body
temperature Plays a role in experience of
emotion, pleasure, and sexual function
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Limbic System Contd
Hippocampus neural center in the Limbic System
Hippo is Greek for horse Wraps around the
thalamus and helps process new memories
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Limbic System Contd
Amygdala Two almond shaped neural clusters in
the limbic system Amygdala is Greek for
almond The amygdala controls emotions such as
fear and anger
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