Answer to Question #325451 in Human Anatomy and Physiology for Jam

Question

List and indicate the functions of the major regions of the cerebral hemispheres, diencephalon, brain stem and cerebellum. (20%- 5 marks for each region).

Answer 1

The major structures of hemispheres are frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes.

The frontal lobe includes the premotor cortex, and the primary motor cortex and prefrontal cortex. They are devoted to skeletal movement, ocular movement, speech control, and the expression of emotions and purposeful mental action.

Parietal lobe contains parietal cortex which is responsible for perception of somatosensory information and can be assessed as center of association.

Occipital lobe is responsible for perception of visual information.

Temporal lobe is responsible for processing of auditory and gustatory information and understanding of speech.

The diencephalon is comprised of the:

• Epithalamus
• Thalamus: relays and integrates majority of motor and sensory impulses between the higher centres of the brain and the peripheries.
• Subthalamus
• Metathalamus
• Hypothalamus :center of physiological processes including thermoregulation, osmoregulation and hormonal regulation, hunger and thirst, sexual behavior.

Brainstem: major center of innate reflexes(breathing, swallowing, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, heart rate)+ conduct impulses from spinal cord to higher centers and vice versa.

Cerebellum: postural adjustments in order to maintain balance, muscular memory and coordination.