AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The brain stem is the oldest and innermost region of the brain. It’s designed to control the most basic functions of life, including breathing, attention, and motor responses (Figure 4.7, “The Brain Stem and the Thalamus”).

Detailed explanation-2: -medulla oblongata, also called medulla, the lowest part of the brain and the lowest portion of the brainstem. The medulla oblongata is connected by the pons to the midbrain and is continuous posteriorly with the spinal cord, with which it merges at the opening (foramen magnum) at the base of the skull.

Detailed explanation-3: -A cerebral cortex, with its typical layered organization, is found only among mammals, including humans, and non-avian reptiles such as lizards and turtles. Mammals, reptiles and birds originate from a common ancestor that lived some 320 million years ago.

Detailed explanation-4: -The old brain-including the brain stem, medulla, pons, reticular formation, thalamus, cerebellum, amygdala, hypothalamus, and hippocampus-regulates basic survival functions, such as breathing, moving, resting, feeding, emotions, and memory.