Parts of the brain

Brainstem

The oldest part of the brain responsible for fundamental automatic survival functions.

Reticular Formation

A nerve network in the brainstem crucial for controlling arousal (alertness).

Medulla

The base of the brainstem that controls basic life-sustaining functions such as breathing and heartbeat.

Pons

Connects the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain; involved in respiration and REM sleep.

Cerebellum

Critical for movement, balance, and some cognitive processes, positioned beside the brainstem.

Functions of the Cerebellum

Coordinates movement and balance, processes sensory input, aids in judgment of time, and enables nonverbal learning.

Thalamus

Acts as a central relay station for sensory information, directing messages to the appropriate areas.

Amygdala

Responsible for survival emotions like fear and aggression within the limbic system.

Hippocampus

Processes and stores explicit memories regarding facts and events.

Hypothalamus

Directs maintenance behaviors and regulates the endocrine system; linked to emotion and reward.

Corpus Callosum

A thick band of neural fibers facilitating communication between the two cerebral hemispheres.

Split-brain effects

Result from severing the corpus callosum, affecting communication between brain hemispheres.

Cerebral Cortex

The intricate outer layer of the brain, crucial for higher mental functions and information processing.

Functions of the Cerebral Cortex

Key role in memory, attention, perceptual awareness, thinking, speaking, and consciousness.

Association Areas

Regions of the cerebral cortex supporting complex cognitive activities that are not primary sensory or motor functions.

Impact of Brainstem Damage

Can lead to permanent states of excessive sleep or wakefulness.

Impact of Medulla Damage

Often fatal or may require life support.

Alcohol's Impact on the Cerebellum

Impaired coordination and reaction time due to alcohol affecting the cerebellum.

Sensory Messages

Directed by the thalamus to appropriate receiving areas in the cerebral cortex.

Cerebral Cortex Lobes

Divided into four major lobes, each with specialized functions.

Maintenance Behaviors

Behaviors directed by the hypothalamus including eating, drinking, and body temperature regulation.

Higher Mental Functions

Involves learning, remembering, thinking, and speaking in the association areas.

Complex Cognitive Activities

Supported by association areas of the cerebral cortex, involved in creating meaningful experiences.

Survival Emotions

Emotions like fear and aggression primarily managed by the amygdala.

Perceptual Experience

The meaningful interpretation of sensory information supported by association areas.

Communication Center

The function of the pons in connecting different parts of the brain.

Nonverbal Learning

An ability facilitated by the cerebellum related to learning without verbal instruction.

Thalamic Function

Transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla from sensory information.

Pituitary Gland

Produces and releases hormones that regulate various bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Pineal Gland

Produces melatonin which regulates sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms.

Frontal Lobe

Responsible for cognitive functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, emotions, and movement control. It is involved in planning, reasoning, and personality.

Motor Cortex

Responsible for planning, control and vouluntary movements of the body, coordinating muscle activity.

Broca’s Area

A region in the frontal lobe associated with speech production and language comprehension.

Parental Lobes

Involved in processing sensory information, such as touch, temperature, and pain, and integrating visual information.

Somatosensory Cortex

A part of the cerebral cortex that processes sensory information from the body, including touch, temperature, and pain.

Temporal Lobes (think temple)

Regions of the brain located on the sides of the cerebral cortex that are crucial for processing auditory information, memory, and language.

Auditory Cortex

A region of the brain responsible for processing sound information and is located within the temporal lobes.

Wernicke’s area

A brain region located in the left temporal lobe, associated with language comprehension and production. It plays a key role in understanding spoken and written language.

Occipital lobes

Regions of the brain located at the back of the cerebral cortex, primarily responsible for processing visual information.

visual cortex

A part of the occipital lobe that processes visual stimuli and is crucial for interpreting visual information from the eyes.

association areas

Regions of the brain involved in higher cognitive functions, integrating sensory information and relating it to memories, thoughts, and emotions.

Lesion

is an area of tissue that has been damaged or abnormal, often affecting brain function. In the context of the brain, lesions can result from injury, disease, or stroke, impacting cognitive and sensory abilities.

Electroencephalograph (EEG)

A device used to record electrical activity of the brain by placing electrodes on the scalp, aiding in diagnosing conditions like epilepsy and sleep disorders.

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

A non-invasive imaging technique used to measure the magnetic fields generated by neuronal activity in the brain, providing insights into brain function and diagnosing neurological conditions.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

A functional imaging technique used to observe metabolic processes in the body and brain by detecting gamma rays emitted after positron emissions, aiding in diagnosing diseases like cancer and neurological disorders.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

(MRI) is a medical imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the organs and tissues inside the body, particularly useful for brain imaging.

Functional MRI (fMRI)

is a type of MRI that measures and maps brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow and oxygenation, providing insights into neural function and brain disorders.

Computed tomography

(CT) is a medical imaging technique that combines X-ray images taken from different angles and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images of specific areas of the body, including the brain.

hindbrain

the lower part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord, involved in vital functions such as breathing and heart rate.

midbrain

the part of the brain located above the hindbrain and below the forebrain, playing a role in vision, hearing, and motor control.

forebrain

the largest part of the brain, responsible for higher brain functions such as thought, reasoning, and voluntary muscle activity.