Question

Largest part of the brain is the
A. Cerebrum
B. Cerebellum
C. Medulla oblongata
D. Thalamus

Answer 1

Brain acts as the command and control system. Brain is covered and protected by meninges and a bony brain case called cranium. It controls the voluntary movements, balance of the body, functioning of vital involuntary organs Example: Lungs, heart, kidneys, etc. thermo regulation, hunger and thirst, circadian rhythms of the body.

Complete answer:
Let us analyse the options and find the correct answer.
Option A: Cerebrum- It is a part of the forebrain. It forms the largest part of the brain. Therefore, this is the correct option.
Cerebrum is made of two halves called cerebral hemisphere, these are attached by myelinated nerve fibres called corpus callosum.
Three specific areas of cerebral cortex are:
a) Sensory-hearing vision and sensation.
b) Motor- for muscle movements.
c) Associated areas- for learning, memory, reasoning and creative ability.

Option B: Cerebellum- It is also called a little brain. It lies below the posterior portion of the cerebral hemisphere and above the medulla oblongata. It is the second largest part of the brain. Cerebellum has a branching, tree-like core of white matter called arbor vitae-“the tree of life” surrounded by a sheath of grey matter, the cerebellar cortex. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Option C: Medulla oblongata- It is a part of hindbrain. Its anterior region has inter mixed grey and white matter whereas the remaining part of medulla has white matter on the exterior and grey matter in the interior. It controls respiration, cardiovascular reflexes and gastric secretions. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Option D: Thalamus- Cerebrum wraps around a structure called thalamus, which is a major coordinating centre for sensory and motor signaling. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Thus, the correct answer is option (A) Cerebrum.

Note: The function of cerebrum is as follows,
->It has a role in memory, intelligence, thinking and consciousness.
->It also helps in interpretation of touch, vision and hearing.
->If any damage is caused to the cerebrum it could lead to loss of muscle control.