Hindbrain

• Hindbrain


  • Medulla
  • Pons
  • Cerebellum
• Hindbrain


  • Primitive
  • Used for survival, if damage occurs it can be life-damaging
  • Controls basic life-sustaining functions such as breathing, heart rate + digestion (done unconsciously)
• Medulla


  Structure: continuation of the spinal cord, connects spinal cord to the brain, located at the base of the brainstem

  Function: controlling vital bodily functions, breathing heart rate and blood pressure, regulating reflexes like coughing, sneezing, vomiting and swallowing
• Damage to the medulla

  Could result in difficulty breathing, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, problems with reflects such as coughing, sneezing and swallowing. Can be life-threatening
• Pons


  Structure: small bundle of neural tissue, about 2.5 cm long

  Function: involved in sleep, dreaming and walking and helping control breathing and coordination of some muscle movements, serves as a bridge - relays messages between the cerebral cortex and cerebellum, medulla and midbrain
• Damage to the pons


  Could result in balance and coordination problems and may also affect ability to regulate breathing and facial expressions
• Cerebellum


  Structure: located at the base of brain (cauliflower shape), second largest part of brain

  Function: coordinates fine muscle movements, particularly for activities requiring rapid and skilled sequences, regulates posture and balance, organises and adjusts muscle activity so that it is smooth and precise, involved in learning and memory associated with movement
• Damage to the cerebellum


  Could result in difficulty in coordinating control of everyday movements, including high dexterity tasks, problems with balance and/or speech