brain structure and functions

Cerebral Cortex

Outer brain layer; higher-level thinking, decision-making

Lobes of the Brain

Frontal, Parietal, Occipital, Temporal (F-POT)

Frontal Lobes

Decision-making, problem-solving, personality

Prefrontal Cortex

Executive functioning, self-control, planning

Motor Cortex

Voluntary movement

Parietal Lobes

Sensory processing (touch, spatial awareness)

Somatosensory Cortex

Processes touch, pressure, pain, temperature

Occipital Lobes

Vision

Temporal Lobes

Hearing, language, memory

Association Areas

Combine info from multiple senses

Corpus Callosum

Connects left & right hemispheres

Brainstem

Basic survival functions (breathing, heartbeat)

Medulla

Controls heartbeat & breathing

Reticular Activating System

Regulates alertness & arousal

Cerebellum

Balance & coordination

Limbic System

Emotions & memory (hippocampus, amygdala)

Reward Center

Pleasure & reinforcement

Thalamus

Relay station for sensory info

Hypothalamus

Regulates hunger, thirst, sleep cycle, hormones, temperature

Pituitary Gland

Master gland that regulates hormones

Hippocampus

Forms new memories

Amygdala

Processes fear & strong emotions