brain anatomy

cerebrum

processes conscious thoughts and sensations

precentral gyrus

contains the primary motor cortex

postcentral gyrus

contains the primary sensory cortex

frontal lobe

controls skeletal muscle movement and is where out intelligent thought comes from

parietal lobe

processes general senses

occipital lobe

processes vision

temporal lobe

processes hearing and equilibrium

cerebellum

monitors and controls proprioception

olfactory bulb

transmits olfactory information to the brain

olfactory tract

transmits olfactory information to the brain

optic nerve

transmits visual information to the brain

optic chiasm

transmits visual information to the brain

corpus callosum

allows for communication between the left and right cerebral hemisphere

midbrain

keeps cerebrum in a state of wakefulness (RAS) and controls visual/auditory reflexes (corpora quadrigemina)

pons

has areas that control respiration

medulla oblongata

contains the vital control centers for heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure

superior colliculi

located in the midbrain and contains reflex centers for vision

inferior colliculi

located in the midbrain and contains reflex centers for hearing

fornix

contains nerve tracts dealing with olfaction

mammillary body

contains centers for feeding and memory

thalamus

processes and sends sensory information to the cerebrum

hypothalamus

regulates water and food intake

pituitary gland

major endocrine gland that secretes hormones that control numerous organ systems

pineal gland

endocrine gland that secretes the hormone melatonin

choroid plexus

produces cerebrospinal fluid

lateral ventricle

a chamber containing cerebrospinal fluid

cerebral aquaduct

helps in the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid

fourth ventricle

a chamber containing cerebrospinal fluid