The Brain: Structure and Function

hindbrain

coordinates information coming into and out of the spinal cord; controls the basic functions for life; cerebellum, medulla, and pons

cerebellum

enables nonverbal learning (behaviorism - classical conditioning); coordinates voluntary movements, balance

medulla

controls heartbeat and breathing; part of brain stem

pons

helps control/regulate sleep, respiration, swallowing, bladder function, some senses, equilibrium, posture; part of the brain stem

midbrain

sensory processing (vision and hearing); motor control and reflexes

forebrain

complex cognitive, emotional, sensory, and motor functions; cerebral cortex and subcortical structures

cerebral cortex

outermost layer of forebrain; contains gyri (folds) and sulci (grooves) and lobes of the brain

frontal lobe

last part to develop; executive functions (decision making, planning, impulse control, personality, emotional regulation); motor cortex (controls body)

parietal lobe

contains somatosensory cortex; controls sensory perception

occipital lobe

vision center

temporal lobe

auditory center (speech, language); memory

homunculus

visual representation of what parts take in the most sensory information

basal ganglia

subcortical structure that directs intentional movement; plays a role in reward

limbic system

controls emotion, learning, and memory; made of thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus

thalamus

sends information to the right place

hypothalamus

keeps balance (temperature, hunger, hormone regulation, sexual drive)

amygdala

asshole of the brain; where stress/anxiety is processed; fight or flight; hijacks the brain when activated

hippocampus

memory