AP PSYCHOLOGY

BIOLOGICAL BASES OF BEHAVIOR

OLDER BRAIN STRUCTURES

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Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]

Which of the following is sometimes referred to as the brains sensory switchboard, because it directs incoming sensory messages (with the exception of smell) to their proper places in the brain?

A	hypothalamus
B	pituitary
C	cerebellum
D	limbic system
E	thalamus

Explanation:

Detailed explanation-1: -The correct answer is E. (Thalamus). Thalamus is a brain structure which serves as a relay station. The information from almost all our senses pass through the thalamus which directs it towards the corresponding areas of the brain.

Detailed explanation-2: -Thalamus. Located in the central part of the brain, the thalamus receives sensory messages, such as touch, from the body, and sends the messages to the appropriate part of the brain to be interpreted.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Thalamus: the brain’s sensory switchboard, located on top of the brainstem. It directs messages to the sensory areas (visual, auditory, etc) in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla.

Detailed explanation-4: -The amygdala is an almond-shaped structure deep in the brain that is believed to be a communications hub between the parts of the brain that process incoming sensory signals and the parts that interpret these signals.

Detailed explanation-5: -Thalamus: the brain’s sensory switchboard located on the top of the brainstem. It directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex.

There is 1 question to complete.