Page 77 - 2024-bfw-MyersAP4e

Module 1.4b

findings suggest that our perception of moving flows not from the movement itself, but
rather from our intention.
On the underside of the right temporal lobe, another association area enables us to
instantly recognize faces (Retter et al., 2020). If a stroke or head injury destroyed this area
of your brain, you would still be able to describe facial features and to recognize someone’s
gender and approximate age, yet be strangely unable to identify the person as, say, Ariana
Grande or even your grandmother.
Nevertheless, complex mental functions don’t reside in any single place. During a
complex task, a brain scan shows many islands of brain activity working together — some
running automatically in the background, and others under conscious control (Chein &
Schneider, 2012). Your memory, language, attention, and social skills result from functional
Distributed by Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. Not for redistribution.
connectivity — communication among distinct brain areas and neural networks (Bassett
et al., 2018; Silston et al., 2018). What happens when brain areas struggle to communi-
cate with each other? People are at increased risk for mental disorders (Baker et al., 2019;
Zhang et al., 2019). The point to remember: Our mental experiences — and our psychological
Copyright © Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers.
health — rely on coordinated brain activity.

®
AP Science Practice Check Your Understanding

Examine the Concept Apply the Concept
▶ ▶Which part of the human brain distinguishes us most from ▶ ▶If you are able, try moving your right hand in a circular motion,
other animals? as if cleaning a table. Then start your right foot doing the same
▶ ▶Explain the differences among the brain’s four lobes in terms motion, synchronized with your hand. Now reverse the right
of their location and function. foot’s motion, but not the hand’s. Finally, try moving the left foot
opposite to the right hand.
a. Why is reversing the right foot’s motion so hard?
b. Why is it easier to move the left foot opposite to the right
hand?
▶ ▶Explain why association areas are important using specific
examples from your own experience.
Answers to the Examine the Concept questions can be found in Appendix C at the end of the book.

Module 1.4b REVIEW

1.4-4 What are the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain? 1.4-5 Which structures make up the brainstem, and
what are the functions of the brainstem, thalamus,
• Vertebrate brains have three main divisions. reticular formation, and cerebellum?
• The hindbrain contains brainstem structures that direct
essential survival functions, such as breathing, sleeping, • The brainstem is responsible for automatic survival func-
arousal, coordination, and balance. tions. Its components are the medulla (which controls
heartbeat and breathing), the pons (which helps coordi-
• The midbrain connects the hindbrain with the forebrain; it nate movements and control sleep), and the reticular for-
controls some movement and transmits information that
enables seeing and hearing. mation (which filters incoming stimuli, relays information
to other brain areas, and affects arousal).
• The forebrain manages complex cognitive activities, sensory The thalamus, sitting above the brainstem, acts as the
and associative functions, and voluntary motor activities. •
brain’s sensory control center.

The Brain: Brain Regions and Structures Module 1.4b 77

03_myersAPpsychology4e_28116_ch01_002_163.indd 77 15/12/23 9:23 AM