3.7: Activity 5

Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab Manual II: Neural and Cardiopulmonary Systems · LibreTexts

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    Matching Brain Structures to Their Functions

    Understanding the relationship between brain structures and their functions is fundamental to grasping how the brain operates. Each structure within the brain has a specific role, contributing to the overall functioning of the nervous system. In this lab activity, students will engage in a hands-on matching exercise to connect numbered brain structures with their corresponding functions, indicated by letters. This activity reinforces anatomical knowledge and functional understanding, highlighting the integration of structure and function in the brain.

    Instructions

    1. Carefully examine each numbered structure on the diagram or model. Use your knowledge and any provided resources to determine the function of each structure.
    2. Match each numbered structure with the correct letter that represents its function. Record your answers on the provided worksheet.
    3. After completing the matching exercise, participate in a group discussion to review the answers. Discuss any discrepancies or uncertainties and clarify the functional roles of each brain structure.
    Table \(\PageIndex{1}\): Matching Brain structures (indicated by number) to respective functions (indicated by letters)
    Structure of the Brain Matching letter Major function
    1. Cerebellum
    		  
    1. Regulates most autonomic nervous system control including body temperature, hunger, water balance; secretes two hormones (oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone), regulates most autonomic nervous system control.
    1. Thalamus
    		  
    1. Located in the midbrain; contains centers for visual reflex and auditory reflex.
    1. Hypothalamus
    		  
    1. Contains more than half of all the neurons in the brain; coordinates complex muscular movements, gait, posture, speech, and motor functions.
    1. Mamillary bodies
    		  
    1. Lies directly superior to the medulla oblongata and anterior to the cerebellum; relays voluntary movement signals to the effector; also help control breathing.
    1. Pineal gland
    		  
    1. A large mass of gray matter deeply situated in the forebrain. It relays information received from diverse regions, excepting olfactory senses, to the cerebral cortex.
    1. Corpora quadrigemina
    		  
    1. Lowermost part of the brain stem; houses the cardiac regulatory center, respiratory center, and reflex centers of vomiting, coughing, sneezing, and swallowing.
    1. Pituitary gland
    		  
    1. Secretes melatonin, a hormone derived from tryptophan that regulates circadian rhythm (sleep - wake cycle).
    1. Cerebral cortex
    		  
    1. A pair of small round bodies, located on the undersurface of the brain, that, as part of the diencephalon form part of the limbic system. It relays the olfactory senses to the cerebral cortex.
    1. Medulla oblongata
    		  
    1. A small bilobed structure rests in the sella turcica, a depression in the sphenoid bone, connects to the hypothalamus by a slender stalk called the infundibulum. Secretes multiple hormones to regulate growth, development, metabolism, reproduction.
    1. Pons
    		  
    1. Sheet of neural tissue; plays a key role in memory, attention, perceptual awareness, thought, language, and consciousness.

    This page titled 3.7: Activity 5 was last modified on Fri, 27 Feb 2026 07:40:26 GMT and is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lakshmikanta Sengupta and Susmita Sengupta.