The Human Brain

WW2 Accurate Bullets

NOT LED! = increased headshot survival. Parts damaged = help scientists learn more about what parts of the brain do which things

Brain Structure

More complex is more intelligence (not bigger size)

Brainstem

“reptilian brain” responsible for automatic survival functions

Thalamus

in brainstem, takes in sensory input and directs to different parts in the brain (switchboard)

Midbrain

Visual processing, in brainstem

Pons

Sleep regulation, in brainstem

Medulla

breathing regulation, in brainstem

spinal cord

highway to brain, upper part in brainstem

cerebellum

“little brain” at the end of the brainstem, in charge of balance and smooth muscle movements

Reticular Formation

Originates in brainstem, but a network structure which influences various regions all throughout the brain (help with a little bit of everything)

The Limbic System

“mamalian brain” which is responsible for emotions, memories, and smell

Hippocampus

long term memory, in limbic system

amnesia

loss of memory

Amygdala

strong emotions, two almond sized structures above the hippocampus, in limbic system

Depression or aggression problems

issues with amygdala

Hypothalamus

Homeostasis; in limbic system, maintains body temp and cycles. Also controls pituitary gland, so hormones needed = homeostasis

The Cerebral Cortex

outermost layer of the brain, in charge of highest mental capabilities

Folds in brain

increase surface area, more room for thinking skills

lobes of the brain

geographical subdivisions of cerebral cortex, separated by folds

Frontal lobe

judgment and decision, front of head

Parietal lobe

touch and muscle sensing, top of brain

occipital lobe

visual processing, back of head

temporal lobe

hearing, temples

Motor cortex

voluntary movements, rear or frontal lobe

sensory cortex

process body movements and sense, front of parietal lobe

Visual cortex

process eye vision, in occipital lobe

auditory cortex

process sounds, in temporal lobe

association areas

all rest of cerebral cortex, higher mental functions like in school