Question 46: What are the major parts of the brain? Mention the functions of different parts.
Answer:
The brain can be grouped into various parts based on anatomical distinctions and functional specialization. The brain is divided into three major regions:-
1. Forebrain (prosencephalon):- Largest part of the brain. It includes cerebrum and diencephalon. The diencephalon further consists of two main parts- thalamus and hypothalamus.
2. Midbrain (mesencephalon):- it includes tectum and tegmentum.
3. Hindbrain (rhombencephalon):- it includes pons, cerebellum and medulla.
- Cerebrum:- It is the largest part of the brain and is divided into two halves- right and left hemispheres; corpus callosum (mass of fibres) which connects the hemisphere. Functions:- 1. It controls voluntary motor activity; 2. Speaking ability; 3. Elaboration of thoughts; 4. Memory, auditory, speech and language functions etc.
- Diencephalon:- it consists of three parts- thalamus (sensory awareness of pain, temperature and touch provided by thalamus), epithalamus (secretes cerebrospinal fluid) and hypothalamus performs many important functions like-controls body temperature, controls thirst and urine output, control food intake, plays important role in emotional and behavioural patterns etc.
- Cerebellum:- It is the second largest part of the brain which is attached to the back of the upper portion of the brain stem. It plays role in important functions like- maintains body posture and muscle tone, coordinate voluntary muscular activities and balance of the body and it also controls circadian rhythm cycle (sleep- wake cycle).
- Medulla oblongata:- the lowest part of the brain stem and is interconnected with the spinal cord. It helps in to regulate the heartbeat, blood vessels diameter, vomiting, sneezing, coughing, hiccups etc.
- Pons:- it lies directly superior to the medulla and anterior to the cerebellum. It plays important role in eye muscle control, facial muscle strength etc.
Diagram:
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