Page 76 - 2024-bfw-MyersAP4e-TE

movement) enables nonverbal and skill (or procedural) learning. With assistance from the
pons, it also coordi nates voluntary movement. When a soccer player masterfully controls
TEACH 1.4-5 the ball, give their cerebellum some credit. Under alcohol’s influence, coordination suffers.
And if you injured your cerebellum, you would have difficulty walking, keeping your bal-
Active Learning ance, or texting a friend. Your movements would be jerky and exaggerated. Gone would be
(15 minutes) Before moving on to any dreams of being a dancer or guitarist.
This little brain — which actually contains more than half your brain’s neurons —
the limbic system, allow students to operates just outside your awareness. Quickly answer these questions: How long have you
practice describing what each part been reading this text? Do your clothes feel loose or tight? How’s your mood? You probably
of the brain is responsible for. First, answered easily, thanks to your cerebellum.
ask them to list the parts of the brain * * *
covered up to this point (that is, all the Note: The brain functions we’ve discussed so far all occur without any conscious effort.

ones in Learning Target 1.4-5). Then, This illustrates another of our recurring themes: Our brain processes most information outside

of our awareness. We are aware of the results of our brain’s labor — say, our current visual
give them a scenario (for example, experience — but not how we construct the visual image. Likewise, whether we are asleep
playing in a soccer game or playing or awake, our brainstem manages its life-sustaining functions, freeing our conscious brain
a video game), and ask them to note regions to think, talk, dream, or savor a memory.
what each part of the brain does
Distributed by Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. Not for redistribution.
during that scenario. Students can AP Science Practice Check Your Understanding
®
work in pairs or individually, in class or
for homework. Remember: Take time Examine the Concept Apply the Concept
to address any misinformation that ▶ Explain some brain functions that happen without any ▶ Are you surprised to learn about all the information
Copyright © Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers.
conscious effort.
processing that happens automatically, without your knowledge?
comes up in this activity. ▶ The ____________ is a crossover point where nerves from Why or why not?

the left side of the brain are mostly linked to the right side of the ▶ In which brain region would damage be most likely to (a) disrupt
body, and vice versa. your ability to jump rope? (b) disrupt your ability to hear? (c) leave
you in a coma? (d) cut off the very breath and heartbeat of life?

Answers to the Examine the Concept questions can be found in Appendix C at the end of the book.
limbic system neural The Limbic System
system located mostly in the
forebrain — below the cerebral
1.4-6 What are the limbic system’s structures and functions? es and functions?
hemispheres — that includes 1.4-6 What ar e the limbic system’s structur
TEACH 1.4-6 the amygdala, hypothalamus,
hippocampus, thalamus, and A skeleton walks into a café. “What would you
Teaching Tip pituitary gland; associated with
emotions and drives. like?” asks the barista. The skeleton replies, “I’ll
As you begin your discussion of the amygdala [uh-MIG-duh-la] Thalamus take a latte and a mop.”
We can thank our limbic system for that
limbic system, remind students that two lima-bean–sized neural
clusters in the limbic system; wonderful emotion when we enjoy a joke. This
sections of the brainstem govern linked to emotion. system, which is associated with emotions, drives,
basic functions such as heartbeat and and memory formation, contains the amygdala,
hypothalamus, hippocampus, thalamus, and pituitary
breathing. Sections of the midbrain, Figure 1.4-9 gland ( Figure 1.4-9 ).

such as the limbic system, govern The limbic system
hormones, memory processing, and This neural system is located Hypothalamus The Amygdala
mostly in the forebrain. The limbic The amygdala — two lima-bean–sized neural
sensory input. Although these func- system’s hypothalamus controls Pituitary gland clusters — enables aggression and fear. In 1939,
tions are a little less vital than those the nearby pituitary gland. Amygdala Hippocampus psychologist Heinrich Klüver and neurosurgeon
governed by the brainstem, they are
no less important for daily functioning. 66 Unit 1 Biological Bases of Behavior
03_myersAPpsychology4e_28116_ch01_002_163.indd 66 15/12/23 9:23 AM

66 Unit 1 Biological Bases of Behavior

03_HammerTE4e_47547_ch01_2a_163_4pp.indd 66 07/02/24 5:22 PM