Biology STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

Which part of the nervous system manages conscious activities, intelligence, and memory?

1. Cerebellum

2. Cerebrum

3. Brain stem

4. Spinal cord

The correct answer is: Cerebrum

The cerebrum is the part of the nervous system responsible for managing conscious activities, intelligence, and memory. It is the largest and most developed portion of the brain, playing a critical role in higher brain functions such as thought, reasoning, and decision-making. The cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres and further subdivided into lobes that are associated with various functions, including the frontal lobe, which is tied to planning, reasoning, and problem-solving, and the temporal lobe, which is important for processing auditory information and forming memories. This extensive involvement in complex cognitive processes makes the cerebrum essential for any activity that requires awareness and intentional action. The cerebellum primarily coordinates motor activities and balance but does not handle conscious thought or memory in the same way. The brain stem is vital for regulating involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate, and it connects the brain to the spinal cord, dealing mainly with basic life-sustaining processes. The spinal cord serves as the pathway for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body, primarily related to reflexes and involuntary responses, rather than conscious thought and intelligence.