Parts of the brain

Forebrain

a collection of upper brain structures including the hypothalamus, thalamus, cerebrum; invoved in complex cognitive processes, emotion and personality

Hypothalamus

vital role in maintaining the body’s internal environment by regulating release of hormones

Examples of what the hypothalamus does

influence behaviours with hunger, thirst and sleep

Thalamus

a relay station in the brain for incoming sensory information (except smells) and for information from the cerebral cortex to lower brain structures

Cerebrum

responsible for almost everything we consciously think, feel and do and enables information exchange and coordinate function of the brain

Midbrain

a collection of structures involved with movement, processing of visual, auditory and tactile sensory information, sleep and arousal

Reticular Formation

helps screen incoming information, alerts higher brain centres to important information, helps maintain consciousness and regulates arousal and muscle tone

Hindbrain

a collection of lower level brain structures including the medulla, pons and cerebellum and controls or influences various motor functions and vital, automatic responses

Medulla

a continuation of the spinal cord, connecting it to the brain; controls vital bodily function required for survival

Cerebellum

the cauliflower shaped structure located at the base of the brain that coordinates fine muscle movements and regulates postur and balance; involved in learning and memory

Pons

involved in sleep, dreaming, arousal from sleep and control of breathing and coordination of some muscle movements