Name:
Date:
A.P. Psychology
Unit 3: Biological Bases of Behavior
“Older Brain Structures”

The complexities of brain structures serve as indicators of a species’ intellectual
capacities

The Brainstem:
o Brainstem:
 Oldest part and central core of the brain
 Beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull
 Function:
 Automatic survival functions

o
Medulla:
 Base of the brainstem
 Functions:
 Controls heartbeat
 Controls breathing
o
Pons:
 Located above the medulla
 Function:
 Coordinates movement
o
Reticular Formation:
 A nerve network in the brainstem
 Function:
 Controlling arousal
The Thalamus and Cerebellum
o Thalamus:
 Brain’s sensory switchboard
 Located on top of the brainstem
 Functions:
 Directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex
 Transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla
o
Cerebellum:
 “Little Brain”
 Located at rear of brainstem
 Functions:
 Processing sensory input
 Coordinating movement output and balance

The Limbic System
o Limbic System:
 Doughnut-shaped neural system
 Located below the cerebral hemispheres
 Includes:
 Hippocampus
 Amygdala
 Hypothalamus
 Functions:
 Linked to Emotions/Drives
o
Hippocampus:
 Function:
 Processes Memory
o
Amygdala:
 Two lima bean-sized neural clusters
 Function:
 Linked to Emotion
o
Hypothalamus:
 Located below the thalamus
 Functions:
 Maintenance activities: eating, drinking, body temperature
 Helps govern endocrine system (via pituitary gland)
 Linked to emotion and reward