Name: Control and Coordination
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 38 min 51 s
Description: There are various systems in our body that help in running it. Let's learn about our body's chemical and electrical messengers, which govern the multiple sys...

Question

What are the functions of the different (five) parts of the brain?

Accepted Answer

The human brain, also called the encephalon, is one of the largest and complex organs of the human nervous system. In humans, it is divided into three primary parts such as forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain. Every part of the brain perform important functions, out of which five major parts of the brain with their functions are given below:

(1) Cerebrum: It is a part of the forebrain and the largest part of the brain. It is divided into left and right cerebral hemispheres by a deep longitudinal fissure. Each hemisphere has four lobes (majorly): frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal. Some general functions of the cerebrum would be:

The motor and premotor areas of the cerebrum control the volitional movement of the body.

It serves as a centre for the perception of touch, pain, heat, cold and kinaesthetic sensations.

It controls the eye movement, dilation of pupil, closing and opening of the eyelids.

It is responsible for memory, intelligence, planning, judgement, etc.

Different areas of the cerebrum act as the centres like vision, hearing, taste, and smell.

(2) Hypothalamus: Hypothalamus is also a part of the forebrain, and some functions that it controls are given below.

It acts as a higher centre for the autonomic nervous system.

It regulates body temperature.

It contains neurosecretory cells that secrete neurohormones.

It controls the secretion of the anterior pituitary gland by secreting releasing and release-inhibitory hormones.

(3) Pons Varolii: Pons is a part of the hindbrain that controls the following functions.

It connects the right and left cerebellum.

It contains pneumotaxic and apneustic area that control breathing.

It serves as the site of origin of the 5^th, 6^th, 7^th and 8^th cranial nerves.

(4) Cerebellum: It is the largest part of the hindbrain and the second largest part of the brain. Some functions carried out by the cerebellum are given below.

It maintains muscle tone.

It controls posture and equilibrium of the body.

It also regulates voluntary movements.

(5) Medulla oblongata/Medulla: It is a cone-shaped lowermost part of the brain, extending from the lower end of the pons to the upper end of the spinal cord. Some functions carried out by medulla oblongata are:

It regulates respiratory, vasomotor, cardiac, salivary secretion, etc.

It acts as a relay centre for touch sensations.

It controls visceral reflexes.

It serves as the site for the origin of the 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th cranial nerves.

What are the functions of the different (five) parts of the brain?

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