older brain structures. older brain structures the brainstem & thalamus
TRANSCRIPT
The medulla is at the top of the spinal column. It controls life-sustaining functions such as breathing and
swallowing. The nerves from each side of the body also cross over in this structure to opposite sides.
The pons is above the medulla and acts as a bridge between the lower part of the brain and the upper part. It influences sleep, dreaming, arousal, and coordination of movement on
the left and right sides of the body.
The reticular formation runs through the medulla and the pons and controls our general level of attention and arousal.
The thalamus sits atop the brainstem and is the sensory control center. It receives information from all the senses
(except smell) and routes it to the higher brain regions.
Older Brain Structures
The Cerebellum
The “little brain” at the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input and coordinating movement output and balance, enabling nonverbal learning and memory.
The Limbic System
Doughnut-shaped neural system located below the cerebral hemispheres
– Hippocampus– Amygdala– Hypothalamus
Associated with emotions and drives.
Curved structure located within each temporal lobe
Responsible for the formation of long-term memories and the storage of memory for location of objects.
The Limbic SystemThe Hippocampus
Two lima bean-sized neural clusters in the limbic system
Linked to emotion− Fear− Aggression
The Limbic SystemThe Amygdala
Stimulate the amygdala in one spot, a cat will engage in fight-or-flight activity.
Stimulate in a different spot, it will be afraid of just about anything.
Amygdala Video
The Limbic SystemThe Amygdala
Located below (hypo) the thalamus.
Directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temperature).
Helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland.
The Limbic SystemThe Hypothalamus
Linked to emotion and reward.