8 Major Regions of Brain

Based on Slideshow from Prof. Munoz Neuroanatomy class

Cortex (Cerebrum)

▪ Conscious thought processes and intellectual functions

▪ Memory storage and processing

▪ Conscious and subconscious regulation of skeletal muscle contractions

▪ Largest Part of brain

▪ Divided into left and right cerebral hemispheres

Limbic System

A functional grouping that

▪ Establishes emotional states

▪ Links conscious functions of cerebral cortex with autonomic functions of brain stem

▪ Facilitates memory storage and retrieval

Thalamus

▪ One half of Diencephalon

▪ Filters ascending sensory information for primary sensory cortex

▪ Relays information between basal nuclei and cerebral cortex

▪ Plays a role in regulating sleep, alertness, and consciousness.

Hypothalamus

▪ One half of Diencephalon

▪ Regulates body temperature, hunger and thirst

▪ Controls circadian rhythms via. suprachiasmatic nucleus

▪ Centers controlling emotions, autonomic functions, and hormone production

Cerebellum

▪ Second largest part of brain

▪ Coordinates repetitive body movements

▪ Two hemispheres

▪ Covered with cerebellar cortex

▪ Adjusts postural muscles

▪ Fine-tunes conscious and subconscious movements

▪ The pons and the cerebellum act in synchrony to regulate the movements of the limbs.

▪ Compares motor commands with actual execution to detect errors (versus basal nuclei).

• Overseeing the postural muscles of the body and making rapid adjustments to maintain balance and equilibrium are functions of the _____

Midbrain (Mesencephalon)

• Processes sight, sound, and associated reflexes

• Maintains consciousness

• Contains Tectum, aka Superior and Inferior Colliculus

• Also contains Tegmentum, Red nucleus and Substantia Nigra

• Alsooo contains Cerebral peduncles

Pons

• Part of Brainstem

• Connects cerebellum to brain stem

• Links to mesencephalon, diencephalon, cerebrum and spinal cord

• Is involved in somatic and visceral motor control

• Damage to the cerebellum or pons may result in poor coordination of limb movement

• Nuclei involved with respiration

• middle cerebellar peduncles - links cerebellum with pons

Medulla Oblongata

• Part of Brain Stem

• Allows brain and spinal cord to communicate

• Coordinates complex autonomic reflexes

• Controls visceral functions

• Nuclei in the Medulla: Autonomic nuclei, Sensory and motor nuclei, Relay stations

- Affects cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive system activities

• The medulla oblongata regulates Blood pressure and Respiration .

8 Major Brain regions in order

Eight Major Regions of the Brain

▪ Cortex (Cerebrum)

▪ Limbic System

▪ Thalamus

▪ Hypothalamus

▪ Cerebellum

▪ Midbrain (Mesencephalon)

▪ Pons

▪ Medulla oblongata