Question

The hindbrain consists of the: A. endocrine system and the limbic system. B. reticular formation. C. thalamus, hypothalamus, and cerebrum. D. cerebellum, medulla, and pons.

Short answer

Answer: The structures that make up the hindbrain are the cerebellum, medulla, and pons.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the correct answer from the options

To find the correct answer, let's go through each option and see if it corresponds to the structures that make up the hindbrain. Option A: Endocrine system and the limbic system. The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce hormones, and the limbic system is a group of structures in the brain that deal with emotions and memory. Neither of these systems are parts of the hindbrain. Option B: Reticular formation. The reticular formation is a network of nerve cells and fibers that plays a central role in the regulation of many important human functions such as sleep, arousal, and consciousness. However, it is not enough to describe the complete hindbrain. Option C: Thalamus, hypothalamus, and cerebrum. These structures are part of the forebrain, not the hindbrain. The thalamus is the relay center for sensory and motor information, the hypothalamus is responsible for maintaining the body's internal balance, and the cerebrum is responsible for higher cognitive functions. Option D: Cerebellum, medulla, and pons. The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements and maintaining balance, the medulla controls basic life-sustaining functions like breathing and heart rate, and the pons acts as a relay station between different areas of the brain. All three structures are part of the hindbrain.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, the correct answer is Option D: cerebellum, medulla, and pons. These structures make up the hindbrain.