Question

Give an account of structure and functions of hindbrain.

Answer 1

The hind-brain, also known as rhombencephalon, is made up of major portion of brain-stem, that is, the medulla oblongata and the pons varolii, and the cerebellum. Cerebellum does not form the part of the brain-stem. The hind-brain controls major involuntary functions of the body. The medulla oblongata controls the heart beat and the respiration. It has a gastric centre that regulates the gastric secretion. There is a reflex centre present in medulla that controls reflexes like vomiting, swallowing, salivation etc. It also connects the spinal cord to the other parts of brain and helps in conduction of impulses. The pons varolii connects the hind-brain with the mid-brain and has a pneumotaxic centre that regulates the inhalation and the exhalation. The cerebellum is made of special nerve cells called Purkinje cells that regulate the posture and the movements of the body.