What is true about the functions of the forebrain?

The forebrain plays a crucial role in many complex functions, which include sensory processing, emotional regulation, and higher executive functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, and planning. This part of the brain encompasses structures such as the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for interpreting sensory information, and the limbic system, which is involved in emotional responses and memory formation. Additionally, the forebrain is integral in controlling voluntary movements and cognitive functions, making it vital for complex behaviors and interactions with the environment.

In contrast, the responsibilities of involuntary functions fall more under the purview of the brainstem and autonomic nervous system, while body temperature regulation and circadian rhythms are primarily managed by the hypothalamus, which is a part of the forebrain but doesn't encapsulate its broader range of functions. Basic survival instincts are mainly associated with more primitive parts of the brain, such as the brainstem and certain areas within the limbic system. Thus, the multifaceted contributions of the forebrain underscore its importance in higher order cognitive and sensory functions.