12. The Central Nervous System

On further examination, Ms. Norris is shown to be in a state of unarousable unconsciousness, or coma. Which area or system of the brain is likely damaged? Explain.

a. What is the function of the basal nuclei?

b. Which basal nuclei form the striatum?

c. Which arches over the diencephalon?

Robert, a brilliant computer analyst, suffered a blow to his anterior skull from a falling rock while mountain climbing. Shortly thereafter, it was obvious to his coworkers that his behavior had undergone a dramatic change. Although previously a smart dresser, he was now unkempt. One morning, he was observed defecating into the wastebasket. Which region of Robert's brain was affected by the cranial blow?

A spinal reflex is a rapid, involuntary response to a stimulus. Tala has an issue with motor areas of her brain. Will her spinal reflexes still function? 

a. Make a rough drawing of the lateral aspect of the left cerebral hemisphere.

b. You may be thinking, 'But I just can't draw!' So, name the hemisphere involved with most people's ability to draw.

c. On your drawing, locate the following areas and provide the major function of each: primary motor cortex, premotor cortex, somatosensory association cortex, primary somatosensory cortex, visual and auditory areas, prefrontal cortex, Wernicke's and Broca's areas.

Mark the following statements about the cerebral cortex as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The cerebral cortex is composed of white matter.

The brain is divided into two cerebral hemispheres by the ________________.

Clarence, an elderly man with a history of TIAs, complained to his daughter that he had a severe headache. Shortly thereafter, he lapsed into a coma. At the hospital, he was diagnosed as having a brain hemorrhage. Which part of the brain was damaged by the hemorrhage?

Huntington's disease is characterized by a loss of normal inhibition mediated by the basal nuclei. Predict the symptoms you are likely to see with this disease.

The occipital lobe is found at the ________ of the brain, while the parietal lobe is found at the ________.