Brain Structure Functions

corpus callosum

connects cerebral hemispheres, allowing communication from both sides of the brain

thalamus

processes sensory information before it reachers cerebral cortex. invovled in memory processing.

hypothalamus

relays information from cerebrum to cerebellum. Body temperature regulation, water balance, and metabolism.

pituitary gland

endocrine system; produces hormones like HGH

pineal gland

endocrine system; produces hormones like melatonin

arbor vitae

branching white matter. Brings sensory information to and from cerebellum

frontal lobe

consious movement of skeletal muscles.

parietal lobe

somatic sensory information; pain and temperature

occipital lobe

visual senses

temporal lobe

auditory senses/sense of smell and taste

cerebral cortex

outer layer of grey matter around the cerebrum

cerebellum

responsible for balance and coordination of skeletal muscles, as well as fine adjustments to motor actions

pons

carries signals from cerebrum to cerebellum

midbrain

visual and auditory reflexes

medulla obongata

regulates heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure

spinal cord

extension of medulla oblongata; conduction pathway to and from brain

olfactory tract

bundle of afferet nerve fibers that connects portions of brain to sense of smell

optic chiasm

connects the brain to the eye