2.05-
Scenario 1
During the fourth quarter, Tim Tebow would definitely be using his medulla, reticular formation, cerebellum, thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala, and basal ganglia. The medulla is necessary for vital body functions such as breathing and heart rate. Tim Tebow would obviously need this to play. His medulla, however, might tell his lungs to breathe faster and his heart to beat faster to supply more oxygen to his blood. The reticular formation is responsible for selective attention. Tebow would definitely need to be using his reticular formation so he can pay attention to where his wide receivers are so he can throw the ball and also make sure the linebackers are protecting him. The cerebellum aids in balance and control of fine movements as well as coordination. Tebow needs to be using his cerebellum so he does not trip and can coordinate his eyes with his hands when throwing the ball. The thalamus sends sensory information to different parts of the body. Tebow needs his thalamus so his senses can tell him how to respond to a certain situation, such as seeing someone open he can throw the ball to. The hypothalamus controls vital brain functions such as body temperatures, thirst, glucose levels, and bodily rhythms. Tebow’s hypothalamus better be working if he wants to maintain homeostasis and does not want to pass out on the field. That would not help with the pressure of making a touchdown in one minute. The amygdala is for fear, aggression, and anger. Tebow might be using his amygdala if he is scared of losing or if he is feeling aggression and a bit of anger because his team is down by three points (plus playing football always brings out aggression in everyone). Lastly, the basal ganglia are responsible for planning movement. If Tim Tebow wants to initiate any type of movement, he needs his basil ganglia or he won’t be able to run, let alone throw the ball! The neurotransmitters Tim will be using include acetylcholine, GABA, glutamate, dopamine, and endorphins. Acetylcholine is used for muscle contractions, GABA is needed inhibiting movement, glutamate is responsible for memory formation, dopamine for movement control, and endorphins for pain relief and satisfaction.
Scenario 3
My dad would most likely be using his medulla, reticular formation, cerebellum, thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus. His medulla will keep his lungs breathing and his heart pumping. He’d need that so he doesn’t die. His heart and breathing rate will most likely be accelerated since he is dealing with a scary and stressful situation. His reticular formation would also be working to keep him alert so he doesn’t accidentally crash his car and he stays focused on his destination home. The cerebellum is necessary for motor functions and coordination, which my dad will need if he wants to keep his car on the road and drive home as quick as possible. His thalamus will help him see and hear things that needs his attention and allow him to act appropriately, since the thalamus is responsible for sending sensory information to the rest of the body. The hypothalamus controls blood pressure, glucose levels, and body temperature and rhythms. Under a stressful situation, my dad’s blood pressure and body temperature needs to be regulated so he does not pass out. Next, his amygdala will be the one responsible for noticing and remembering this fearful event and cause him to be scared. Since the amygdala stores very fearful events in long-term memory, my dad won’t be forgetting this experience anytime soon. Finally, the hippocampus is responsible for remembering events, locations, and spatial relationships. In this situation, the hippocampus will probably not forget a Category 5 hurricane while driving a car. The neurotransmitters my dad will be using include acetylcholine, glutamate, and dopamine. Acetylcholine is used for memory and muscle contractions (in this case remembering the hurricane and driving), glutamate is used for learning and memory formation (in this case check the news before you leave work and remembering this event), and dopamine is used for controlling movement (driving the car).