Which two types of functions are found in the deeper "older" areas of the brain?

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Prepare for the UCF SPA3011 Speech Science Exam 2. Our quiz features flashcards and multiple-choice questions with helpful hints and explanations. Get exam-ready now!

The choice highlighting "older and more basic" functions accurately reflects the biology and evolution of the brain. The deeper areas of the brain, often referred to as the "reptilian brain" or parts of the brain that are older in evolutionary terms, are primarily responsible for fundamental life-sustaining functions. This includes automatic processes such as heart rate, breathing, and basic survival mechanisms.

These regions, which include structures like the brainstem and basal ganglia, evolved earlier in the history of the vertebrate brain and are associated with primal instincts and reflexes. This makes them essential for maintaining homeostasis and responding to immediate environmental threats, which are considered basic functions necessary for survival.

In contrast, the other types of functions listed in the other options pertain more to higher cognitive processes or functions that involve complex processing and integration, which are managed by newer parts of the brain such as the cerebral cortex. Therefore, the focus on "older and more basic" functions appropriately identifies the fundamental roles of these deeper brain structures.