Human Nervous System Brain Structures and Functions

Vocabulary flashcards covering the major anatomical structures and corresponding functions of the human brain and nervous system.

Brain wrinkles

Folds in the cortex that provide more surface area for faster processing.

Left and right hemispheres

Brain structures responsible for thought, memory, and behavior.

Corpus callosum

The bridge between the left and right hemispheres.

Cerebral cortex

Structure that maximizes brain surface area.

Frontal lobes

Brain regions responsible for personality, judgement, and self control.

Motor area

Area of the brain responsible for movement.

Parietal lobes

Brain regions responsible for the senses of temperature, pressure, pain, shape, and texture.

Occipital lobe

Brain region responsible for vision.

Temporal lobes

Brain regions responsible for the senses of hearing, taste, and smell.

Cerebellum

Brain structure that coordinates skeletal muscles.

Medulla oblongata

Brain stem structure that regulates breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure, and swallowing.

Pons

Brain stem structure responsible for breathing, eye movement, and facial expressions.

Midbrain

Brain stem structure controlling eye movement, pupil size, and the focus of lenses.

Thalamus

Structure in the limbic system that routes signals from the body to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

Structure in the limbic system that controls automatic systems and maintains homeostasis.

Hippocampus

Limbic system structure responsible for factual memories.

Amygdala and cingulate gyrus

Limbic system structures responsible for emotions and emotional memories.