Brain Structures

Caudate Nucleus

C-Shaped structure in basal ganglia, playing a tole in cognitive/motor functions

Cerebellum

“Little brain” in the back of head below occipital lobe, playing a role in coordination

Cerebral Aqueduct

Narrow channel in midbrain connecting third and fourth ventricles

Corpus Callosum

Thick bundle of nerve fibers connecting left and right hemispheres

Coronal

Frontal Cortex

Outer layer of gray matter that makes up the frontal lobe

Globus Pallidus

Major component of basal ganglia; plays a role in inhibiting unwanted movements

Hippocampus

Brain structure related to memory

Horizontal

Hypothalamus

Almond-sized structure at base of brain serving as primary link between nervous and endocrine system

Lateral Ventricle

Pair of C-Shaped cavities in left and right hemispheres producing CSF

Occipital Cortex

Visual processing center of the brain

Olfactory Bulb

First relay station in olfactory pathway

Optic Chiasm

X-Shaped structure where optic nerve for two eyes partially cross

Optic Nerve

Bundle of nerve fibers transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain

Optic Tract

Bundle of nerve fibers carrying info from optic chasm to LGN of the thalamus

Parietal Cortex

Outer layer of the parietal lobe

Pons

Structure above medulla controlling unconscious behavior

Sagittal

Superior Colliculus

Crucial structure in midbrain for sensory processing and coordinating head/eye movements

Temporal Cortex

Outer layer of the temporal lobe

Thalamus

Egg-shaped gray matter structure above brainstem relaying sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex

Third Ventricle

Produce, contain, and circulate CSF

Spinal Cord

Bundle of nervous tissue running from brainstem to center of the spine

Medulla

Connects brain to the spinal cord