Psychology Quiz: Brain Parts and
Functions Exam Questions and Answers
Graded A+
Brainstem - Correct answer-The oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning
where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; the brainstem is responsible for
automatic survival functions.
Medulla - Correct answer-The base of the brain stem; controls heartbeat and
breathing.
Reticular formation - Correct answer-A nerve network in the brainstem that plays
an important role in controlling arousal.
Thalamus - Correct answer-The brain's sensory switchboard, located on top of the
brainstem; directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and
transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla.
Cerebellum - Correct answer-The "little brain" attached to the rear of the
brainstem; its functions include processing sensory input and coordinating
movement output and balance.
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, Limbic system - Correct answer-A doughnut shaped system of neural structures at
the border of the brainstem and cerebral hemisphere; associated with emotions
such as fear and aggression and drives for food and sex. Includes the hippocampus,
amygdala and hypothalamus.
Amygdala - Correct answer-Two lima bean shaped neural clusters that are
components of the limbic systems and are linked to emotions.
Cerebral cortex - Correct answer-The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells
that covers the cerebral hemispheres; the body's ultimate control and information
processing center.
Frontal lobe - Correct answer-The portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind
the forehead; involved in speaking and muscle movements, and in making plans
and judgement.
Parietal lobe - Correct answer-The portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of
the head and toward the rear; receives sensory input for touch and body position.
Occipital lobe - Correct answer-The portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back
of the head; includes the visual areas, which receives visual information primarily
from the opposite visual field.
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Functions Exam Questions and Answers
Graded A+
Brainstem - Correct answer-The oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning
where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; the brainstem is responsible for
automatic survival functions.
Medulla - Correct answer-The base of the brain stem; controls heartbeat and
breathing.
Reticular formation - Correct answer-A nerve network in the brainstem that plays
an important role in controlling arousal.
Thalamus - Correct answer-The brain's sensory switchboard, located on top of the
brainstem; directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and
transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla.
Cerebellum - Correct answer-The "little brain" attached to the rear of the
brainstem; its functions include processing sensory input and coordinating
movement output and balance.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
, Limbic system - Correct answer-A doughnut shaped system of neural structures at
the border of the brainstem and cerebral hemisphere; associated with emotions
such as fear and aggression and drives for food and sex. Includes the hippocampus,
amygdala and hypothalamus.
Amygdala - Correct answer-Two lima bean shaped neural clusters that are
components of the limbic systems and are linked to emotions.
Cerebral cortex - Correct answer-The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells
that covers the cerebral hemispheres; the body's ultimate control and information
processing center.
Frontal lobe - Correct answer-The portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind
the forehead; involved in speaking and muscle movements, and in making plans
and judgement.
Parietal lobe - Correct answer-The portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of
the head and toward the rear; receives sensory input for touch and body position.
Occipital lobe - Correct answer-The portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back
of the head; includes the visual areas, which receives visual information primarily
from the opposite visual field.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
