As you read the chapter on the brain and cranial nerves, you will discover there

Question

As you read the chapter on the brain and cranial nerves, you will discover there are literally hundreds and probably thousands of different collections of neurons that appear to be involved in the control of very different and important tasks. This posting will provide an opportunity for you to learn and present information on one specific structure. You should choose a structure (different from the postings other people have made) and explain to the rest of us what the structure does, where it is located, how it relates to the larger picture of human behavior, and what you think would happen if the structure is damaged. You must follow the 80/20 rule—80% of your post must be in your own words with only 20% of the post being cited from other sources. Finally, as you read through your classmates' postings, you should comment and provide further insight into a structure that someone else has discussed. As you read the chapter on the brain and cranial nerves, you will discover there are literally hundreds and probably thousands of different collections of neurons that appear to be involved in the control of very different and important tasks. This posting will provide an opportunity for you to learn and present information on one specific structure. You should choose a structure (different from the postings other people have made) and explain to the rest of us what the structure does, where it is located, how it relates to the larger picture of human behavior, and what you think would happen if the structure is damaged. You must follow the 80/20 rule—80% of your post must be in your own words with only 20% of the post being cited from other sources. Finally, as you read through your classmates' postings, you should comment and provide further insight into a structure that someone else has discussed.

Explanation / Answer

The parts of the brain are arranged in various groups and in different ways based on anatomical distinctions, functional specializations and evolutionary development.

1. Brain stem

2. Cerebellum

3. Fore brain

(a). Diencephalon

1) Hypothalamus

2) Thalamus

(b) Cerebrum

1) Basal nuclei

2) Cerebral cortex

The order of representation of these groups is by their anatomic location from bottom to top and their complexity of function from least specialized to most specialized.

Cerebrum is covered by an outer layer called cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex is highly convoluted and covers as a cap housing the basal nuclei. These convolutions give the human cerebral cortex, the appearance of a much folded walnut. Without the wrinkled surface the human cortex would occupy three times more area than it does and unable to fit like a cap to the underlying structures. Hence, the convolutions decreased its surface area and enable to act it as a cover for underlying structures.

The basal nuclei play an important role in controlling the movement. Basal nuclei inhibit the muscle tone throughout the body. Proper muscle tone is required to maintain the balance between excitatory and inhibitory inputs to the neurons entering the skeletal muscles. Basal nuclei are involved in selection and maintenance of motor activity and prevent the unwanted patterns of movement. Basal nuclei help to monitor and coordinate with the slow and sustained contractions related to posture and support.

The cerebral cortex contains three higher motor areas. These are primary motor cortex that includes supplementary motor area, the pre-motor cortex and posterior parietal cortex. These motor areas of the cortex are involved in voluntary decision making activities.

The communication includes the written or spoken language to symbolize objects and convey the ideas and is a complex form. This process involves the integration of two distinct capabilities such as expression and comprehension. The expression and comprehension are related to specific areas of cortex such as Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area.

Broca’s area has an important role in speaking and is located in the left frontal lobe in association with motor areas of the cortex. Wernicke’s area is located in the left cortex at the juncture of parietal, temporal and occipital lobes. It is concerned with language comprehension and has a critical role in understanding the spoken and written messages.

Limbic system is the functional system consisting of ring of 4 brain structures that surround the brain stem. The limbic system is interconnected by complex neuron pathways and to the parts of the brain such as lobes of cerebral cortex, basal nuclei, thalamus and hypothalamus. The limbic system carriesout the functions associated with emotions, behavioral patterns including socio-sexual behaviors conducive to mating, motivation, learning and memory.

Amygdala is part of limbic system that processes the inputs involved in sensation of fear and anxiety. The limbic system specifically functions to monitor the subjective sensations such as joy, satisfaction, pleasure, discouragement, fear and anxiety etc.

The damage to cerebrum depends on the affected area and can result in various affects to sensory, motor, communication, integration, coordination and movement functions. Damage to occipital lobe results in impaired vision. Damage to frontal lobe and parietal lobes results in loss of memory, reasoning, learning abilities and coordination functions. Damage to temporal lobe affects the hearing ability and balance or equilibrium.

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