Brain Anatomy and Functions

Chapters 1/2 Psych Test

Cerebral Cortex

Outer layer of the brain responsible for high-level thinking, planning, and processing sensory info

Association Areas

Integrate and interpret info; involved in learning, thinking, memory, and language

Lobes of Brain

Four main regions (frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal) each with specialized functions

Frontal Lobe

Responsible for planning, judgement, personality, and voluntary movement

Prefrontal Cortex

Controls decision-making, impulse control, long term planning

Executive Functioning

Cognitive processes that help with controlling behavior, organizing tasks, and managing attention

Motor Cortex

Controls voluntary MUSCLE movements; located in frontal lobes

Parietal Lobes

Process sensory info related to TOUCH, temp, body position

Somatosensory Cortex

Receives and interprets incoming TOUCH sensations

Occipital Lobe

Primary VISUAL processing center

Temporal Lobes

Involved in HEARING, language comprehension, and memory

Corpus Callosum

Large band of fibers that connects the brain’s two hemispheres

Brainstem

Controls vital life functions such as BREATHING, heartbeat, and digestion

Medulla

Regulates BREATHING, heartrate, digestion

Reticular Activating System (RAS)

Controls ALERTNESS, arousal, and the sleep-wake cycle

Cerebellum

COORDINATES movement, balance and fine motor skills

Limbic System

Emotional and memory center of brain

Reward Center

Brain circuits (often involving dopamine) that reinforce pleasure/motivation

Thalamus 

Sensory “relay station” that directs incoming information to the correct brain areas

Hypothalamus

maintains homostasis; regulates hunger, thirst, temp, and hormonal release