AP Psych: parts of the brain

medulla

vital functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing

Corpus Callosum

structure that connects the two hemispheres of the brain

Cerebrum

largest part of the brain - 70%; involved in movement and memory

thalamus

transmits sensory information such as pain; relays sensory input from the eyes and ears to appropriate parts of the brain for interpretation

Limbic System

involved in learning and memory, emotion, hunger, sex, aggression

Cerbral cortex

outer layer of the brain; makes humans think and is also concerned with language, motor functions, perception, emotions, and memory

Reticular activating system

Important for sleep, attention, and arousal; arousal affected by increasing heart rate and blood pressure

Cerebellum

looks like a small version of the brain; involved in balance and coordination

Pons

Regulating body movement, attention, sleep, and alertness

Hypothalamus

Involved in behavior and physiological functions. Regulates body temperature, storage of nutrients, hunger, thirst, sexual behavior, and aggression