Chapter 3 - Brain

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain responsible for advanced mental functions like thoughts and emotions.

Right Hemisphere

Controls the left side of the body.

Left Hemisphere

Controls the right side of the body.

Corpus Callosum

Connects the left and right side of the brain

Forebrain

Largest part of the brain, contains the: Cerebral Cortex, Thalamus, Hypothalumus, Pituitary gland, and Limbic System

Midbrain

Important in regulating sleep/wake cycle, arousal, alertness, and motor activity. Contains the Substantia Nigra, Ventral tegmental area (where dopamine is produced), and Reticular Formation

Hindbrain

Known as the brain stem and contains the Medulla, Pons & Cerebellum.

Cerebral Cortex

Surface of the brain and is associated with higher mental capabities. Is a subsection of the forebrain and contains the: Frontal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Occipital Lobe, and Tempo ral Lobe.

Frontal Lobe

Involved in executive functioning, motor control, emotion, and language. Contains the Motor Cortex, Prefrontal lobe and Broca’s area.

Prefrontal Cortex

Responsible for higher-level cognitive functioning. Located in the frontal lobe

Broca's Area

Responsible for language production; damage can lead to communication issues. Located in the frontal lobe.

Parietal Lobe

Involved in processing sensory and perceptual information; contains the primary somatosensory cortex. Part of the cerebral cortex.

Temporal Lobe

Associated with hearing, memory, emotion, and aspects of language; contains the Auditory Cortex and part of Wernicks Area. Part of the cerebral cortex.

Wernicke's Area

Important for speech comprehension; damage may result in difficulty understanding language. Located in the Temporal lobe, works with the Broca’s area.

Occipital Lobe

Associated with visual processing and contains the primary visual cortex. Part of the cerebral cortex.

Limbic System

Involved in mediating emotional response and memory. Contains the Amygdala, Hippocampus, and the Hypothalamus. Part of the forebrain

Amygdala

Involved in the experience of emotion and processing of fear. Part of the Limbic System

Hippocampus

Associated with learning and memory, specifically spatial memory. Part of the Limbic System

Hypothalamus

Regulates homeostasis, including body temperature, appetite, and blood pressure. Links the nervous system and endocrine system by controlling the pituitary gland. Part of the Limbic System

Thalamus

Part of the forebrain that is the relay station for sensory information. Most senses are processed here.

Substantia Nigra

Part of the midbrain where dopamine is produced, involved in movement control.

Medulla

Part of the hindbrain that controls basic life functions.

Cerebellum

Responsible for receiving messages related to motor skills and balance.

Pons

Part of the hindbrain that connects the brain and the spinal cord.

Neuroplasticity

The brains ability to rewire itself and it’s structures as it respondes to new experiences or injury.

Reticular Formation

Important in regulating the sleep/wake cycle, arousal, alertness, and motor activity.