module 4 discussion - brain structures

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Psychology

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Feb 20, 2024

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Part 1: 1) Which three of the following brain structures do you consider to be most important for your daily functioning? Describe the function of these three structures and explain why they are important in your opinion. The three brain structures that I think are the most important for daily function are the medulla, hypothalamus, and the frontal lobe. The medulla connects the brain to the spinal cord and is essential for survival, as it regulates our “heart rate, circulation, and respiration” (Schacter et al., 2021, p. 65). Next, the hypothalamus connects our nervous and endocrine systems. Similarly to the medulla, the hypothalamus is essential as it regulates our “body temperature, hunger, thirst, and sexual behavior” (Schacter et al., 2021, p. 67). Finally, the frontal lobe is one of the most important brain structures as it manages many of the abilities we use on a daily basis. It “has specialized areas for movement, abstract thinking, planning, memory, and judgment” (Schacter et al., 2021, p. 71). Furthermore, it is also responsible for emotions, problem solving, social interaction, and motor function. 2) What are some implications of what would happen if these structures were damaged or not functioning properly? How do you think your ability to function on a daily basis would change? If the medulla were to be damaged, we would likely experience respiratory failure and paralysis. The brain would be cut off from the rest of the body, which would eliminate our ability to control the body properly. If the hypothalamus were to be damaged, we would not be able to properly regulate the body. For example, someone with a damaged hypothalamus may experience unexplained hydration, weight, and appetite changes. Finally, if the frontal lobe were damaged, we would likely experience personality changes, motor weakness, impaired memory and judgment, and general changes in our typical behavior. If any of these three brain structures were damaged, our daily life would be heavily affected, and may even inhibit our ability to live as we know. Works Cited: Schacter et al. (2021). 3.4 Structures of the Brain. In Introducting Psychology (5th ed., pp. 65–71). Worth Publishers. Part 3: 1) After reading your classmates responses, again choose what you believe to be the three most important brain structures. After reading my classmates’ responses, I would still say that the frontal lobe and medulla are very important brain structures, however I think instead of the hypothalamus, I would say the cerebellum instead.

2) How did your opinion change about which are the three most important brain structures after reading your classmates’ posts? What changed your mind or why didn't you change your mind? My opinions on the frontal lobe and medulla remained the same, as many other of my classmates had picked them as well. When we look at the case of Phineas Gage, we learn the importance of the frontal lobe, as well as what actually happens when it gets damaged. The medulla plays a crucial role in the regulation of our bodies, and therefore my opinion still remains the same. Where my mind changed is with the hypothalamus and the cerebellum. I initially said that the hypothalamus is important in regulating our bodies, similarly to the medulla. However, I still believe that it is a very important brain structure, without the cerebellum, we would be unable to interact with our surroundings and move around. Known as the little brain, it is crucial for our ability to perform fine motor skills and coordination of muscle movements. 3) Select a daily task that is performed by most people (i.e. cooking, driving, reading...) Working, whether it be assignments or for a job. 4) APPLY each of the three structures you selected to the daily task you selected and explain how each structure enables you to perform the task. In other words, if you selected driving as the daily task, explain how your reticular formation enables you to drive - what function does this brain part serve during this activity? Select a daily task that is performed by most people (i.e. cooking, driving, reading...) Firstly, the cerebellum allows us to control our muscle movements, and without the ability to properly control your own movements, it becomes more difficult to get work done effectively. Next, the frontal lobe is responsible for our ability to problem solve, interact with others, plan, think, and even memory. Without the frontal lobe, it would be incredibly difficult to get any work done if you are unable to properly think about the work that you are trying to do. Though the medulla may not directly affect our ability to work, without the regulation of the heart and breathing, one would likely experience respiratory failure or paralysis, which would become a physical limitation for someone trying to do homework or work for a job.

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