Unit 2 Lesson 6: Functions of the Hindbrain, Midbrain, and Limbic System

amygdala

a structure in the limbic system involved in the experience of emotion, especially aggression and fear, as well as tying emotional meaning to memories

auditory cortex

the strip of cortex in the temporal lobes that is responsible for initial processing of auditory information

cerebellum

the hindbrain structure that controls balance, coordination, movement, and motor skills, and it is thought to be important in processing some types of automatic skill memory

forebrain

the largest part of the brain, containing the cerebral cortex, the thalamus, and the limbic system, among other structures

frontal lobe

the part of the cerebral cortex involved in reasoning, motor control, emotion, and language; contains motor cortex

hindbrain

the division of the brain containing the medulla, pons, and cerebellum

hippocampus

the structure in the temporal lobe associated with learning and memory

hypothalamus

limbic system structure that regulates sexual motivation, behavior, and a number of homeostatic processes; serves as an interface between the nervous system and the endocrine system

limbic system

the collection of structures involved in processing emotion and memory, called "the emotional brain"

medulla

the hindbrain structure that controls automated processes like breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate

midbrain

the division of the brain located between the forebrain and the hindbrain; contains the reticular formation

motor cortex

the strip of cortex involved in planning and coordinating movement

occipital lobe

the part of the cerebral cortex associated with visual processing; contains the primary visual cortex

parietal lobe

the part of the cerebral cortex involved in processing various sensory and perceptual information (pain and touch); contains the primary somatosensory cortex

pons

the hindbrain structure that connects the brain and spinal cord; involved in regulating brain activity during sleep

reticular formation

the midbrain structure important in regulating the sleep/wake cycle, arousal, alertness, and motor activity

somatosensory cortex

the essential for processing sensory information from across the body, such as touch, temperature, and pain

substantia nigra

the midbrain structure where dopamine is produced; involved in control of movement

temporal lobe

the part of cerebral cortex associated with hearing, memory, emotion, and some aspects of language; contains primary auditory cortex

thalamus

the sensory relay for the brain

ventral tegmental area

the structure where dopamine is produced: associated with mood, reward, and addiction

visual cortex

the strip of cortex in the occipital lobes that is responsible for the initial processing of visual information