AP Psychology Parts of the Brain 🧠

Medulla

The lower part of the brainstem that controls vital autonomic functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

Reticular Activating System

A network of neurons in the brainstem that regulates arousal, consciousness, and sleep-wake cycles.

Pons

Regulates respiratory process, fine motor control, equilibrium, muscle tone, and circadian cycle.

Cerebellum

“Little brain”; processes sensory input and coordinates movement and balance.

Thalamus

Brain’s primary relay station; processes and routes sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

Links nervous and endocrine systems; maintains homeostasis in the body.

Pituitary gland

Regulates vital body functions and general wellbeing; “master gland” because it controls all other hormonal glands.

Corpus callosum

Connects left side of the brain to the right side, allowing the two sides to communicate with each other.

Cerebral cortex

Gray matter; involved in language and information processing.

Amygdala

Center of human emotion and motivation; responsible for the fear response and aggressive behavior; memory consolidator.

Hippocampus

Long-term memory formation and