Some other brain structures
We'll encounter many brain regions throughout the course, but in this lesson I will introduce a handful of areas that we won't focus on directly as much later on.
Prefrontal Cortex
We'll start with the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is a part of the cerebral cortex that is especially important in cognitive capabilities we associate with being human, such as decision-making, problem-solving, self-control, and long-term planning.
1) Watch this video:
2) Then, read this article: Know Your Brain - Prefrontal Cortex
Corpus Callosum
The corpus callosum is the largest collection of axons in the brain, serving as a key connection between the two cerebral hemispheres.
1) Watch this video:
2) Then, read this article: Know Your Brain - Corpus Callosum
Thalamus
The thalamus is an important relay point for much of the information that travels to the cerebral cortex. We will discuss it again when we cover sensory systems.
1) Watch this video:
2) Then, read this article: Know Your Brain - Thalamus
Amygdala
The amygdala is important to emotional responses (among other things), and is especially known for its role in fear. As you'll see in the content below, however, it is much more than a "fear detector."
1) Watch this video:
2) Then, read these articles:
Know Your Brain - Amygdala
Amygdala - Beyond Fear
Finally, answer these questions to test your understanding:
1. Which brain structure acts as a "relay station" by routing most sensory information (except smell) to the cerebral cortex?
- A. hippocampus
- B. thalamus
- C. amygdala
- D. hypothalamus
Show Answer
Correct answer: B
The thalamus is often called the brain’s "relay station" because nearly all sensory information (except olfactory signals) passes through it before reaching the cerebral cortex for processing. In fact, a great deal of all of the information traveling to the cortex sis first sent to the thalamus. It plays a crucial role in filtering and directing information to the appropriate cortical areas.
2. A woman with the initials of S.M. is considered a famous case in neuroscience and medical history, as she has almost completely lost her ability to experience fear after damage to this brain structure:
- A. amygdala
- B. hippocampus
- C. thalamus
- D. cerebellum
Show Answer
Correct answer: A
S.M. is a well-known medical case who has almost completely lost the ability to experience fear after a rare genetic disorder caused the deterioration of both of her amygdalae. Her case helped us to recognize the importance of the amygdala in fearful emotions, although it is now recognized to play a role in positive emotions as well.
3. This structure, which is the largest bundle of axons in the brain, is sometimes severed as a way of treating epilepsy in patients who don't respond to other treatment approaches:
- A. anterior commissure
- B. corticospinal tract
- C. spinothalamic tract
- D. corpus callosum
Show Answer
Correct answer: D
The corpus callosum is the largest collection of white matter in the brain. It connects the two cerebral hemispheres and permits communication between them. A corpus callosotomy is a procedure where the corpus callosum is severed (typically partially), and it can be done to reduce the ability of seizures to spread from one cerebral hemisphere to the other.
4. The amygdala was named for its resemblance to:
- A. an almond
- B. an acorn
- C. an apricot
- D. an artichoke
Show Answer
Correct answer: A
The term amygdala means “almond,” referring to one of the most prominent nuclei of the amygdala that has an almond-like shape.
5. Which nucleus of the thalamus serves as the primary relay for auditory information?
- A. lateral geniculate nucleus
- B. pulvinar nucleus
- C. medial geniculate nucleus
- D. ventral posterolateral nucleus
Show Answer
Correct answer: C
The medial geniculate nucleus of the thalamus is the primary relay for auditory information, transmitting signals from the inferior colliculus to the auditory cortex in the temporal lobe.
