Summary of Brain Structures

A collection of flashcards summarizing the functions and locations of key brain structures.

Medulla oblongata

Bottom structure of the brainstem that controls digestion, heart rate, blood pressure cycles, and breathing.

Pons

Middle structure of the brainstem that regulates circulation and sleep.

Midbrain

Top structure of the brainstem responsible for eye movement.

Brainstem

Lower part of the brain that controls basic functions such as hearing and movement.

Cerebellum

Back of the brain that manages motor control and stores memories.

Thalamus

Sits on top of the brainstem and sorts and sends information to the correct areas.

Hypothalamus

Located below the thalamus, it maintains homeostasis.

Posterior pituitary

Below the hypothalamus, it sends out hormones.

Cerebrum

Largest part of the brain involved in thinking, memory, and sensory processing.

Corpus callosum

Center of the brain that connects the left and right hemispheres.

Basal ganglia

Located below the cerebrum, made up of nuclei that coordinate movement.

Cerebral cortex

80% of the brain, containing the four lobes responsible for various functions.

Frontal lobe

Located at the front of the brain, it controls executive functions like decision-making.

Parietal lobe

Top part of the brain that processes senses, temperature, and problem-solving.

Occipital lobe

Back of the brain responsible for vision.

Temporal lobe

Sides of the brain associated with auditory processing and memory.

Somatosensory cortex

Located inside the parietal lobe, it processes sensory information such as touch and temperature.

Motor cortex

Located inside the frontal lobe, it sends movement control signals.