PSYC Brain Structures

Amygdala

Linked to emotion, enable aggression and fear. Found in the Limbic System deep within the temporal lobe

Hippocampus

Helps process conscious, explicit memories of facts and events. Found in Limbic System deep within the temporal lobe

Hypothalamus

Linked to emotion and reward, directs several maintenance activities, and helps govern the endocrine system. Found in the Limbic System

Corpus Callosum

Axon Fibers connecting the cerebral hemisphere

Thalamus

Relays messages between lower brain centers and cerebral cortex

Pituitary

Master endocrine gland

Reticular Formation

Helps control arousal

Pons

Helps coordinate movement and control sleep

Medulla

Controls heartbeat and breathing

Spinal Cord

Pathway for neutral fibers traveling to and from brain; controls simple reflexes

Cerebellum

Coordinates voluntary movement and balance, and supports skill learning and memory

Cerebral Cortex

Ultimate control and information-processing center

Motor Cortex

Area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements

Somatosensory Cortex

Area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and process body touch and movement sensations