Final answer:
The brain and spinal cord are protected by the meninges and have distinct structural and functional regions including the cerebral cortex, divided into the frontal, temporal, occipital, and parietal lobes, as well as basal ganglia, thalamus, hypothalamus, limbic system, cerebellum, and brainstem. The spinal cord is a vital conduit for sensory and motor information and reflex control.
Step-by-step explanation:
Structural and Functional Regions of the Brain
The vertebrate central nervous system is comprised of the brain and the spinal cord, both of which are safeguarded by the meninges. The brain is segmented into structurally and functionally distinct regions. These regions in mammals include the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus, hypothalamus, limbic system, cerebellum, and brainstem. The cerebral cortex itself is divided into four primary functional lobes: the frontal, temporal, occipital, and parietal lobes.
The spinal cord serves as a critical information highway, connecting the brain with the rest of the body through peripheral nerves, and it plays a key role in transmitting sensory and motor information as well as controlling motor reflexes.
Functions of Brain Regions
The cerebral lobes are associated with various functions such as cognition, language, and sensation, with the temporal lobe, for instance, being associated with hearing. The cerebellum aids in coordinating skeletal muscle activity, while the brainstem, which includes the medulla oblongata and pons, is essential for regulating vital functions like breathing and heart rate. It is noteworthy that most complex functions, such as language, involve multiple brain regions.
The energy demands of the brain are high, with approximately 20 percent of the body's resources utilized to support its function, explaining the exhaustion often felt after intense cognitive activities, such as taking an AP® examination.