The Brain

Brainstem

- the oldest part of the brain
- beginning where the spinal cord swells and enters the skull (responsible for the automatic survival functions)

Medulla

- the base of the brainstem that controls heartbeat and breathing

Reticular Formation

- a nerve network in the brainstem that plays an improtant role in controlling arousing

Pons

- helps with movement and facial expression

Cerebellum

- the "little brain" attached to the rear of the brainstem
- helps coordinate voluntary movements and balance

Thalamus

- the brain's sensory switchboard located on top of the brainstem
consolidates sensory input into a cohesive feeling

Hypothalamus

- lies below the thalamus
- regulates circadian rhythm and food intake
- the brains link to the pituitary gland

Hippocampus

- processes memories

Amygdala

- consists of two almond shaped-neural clusters linked to the emotions of fear and anger

Cerebral cortex

- the intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells that covers the cerebral hemispeheres
- the bodys ultimate control and information processing center

Frontal lobe

- judgemental/reasoning
- dopamine highway

Parietal lobe

- senses

Occipital lobe

- vision

Temporal lobe

- hearing

Motor cortex

- the area at the rear of the frontal lobes that control voluntary movements

Sensory cortex

- the area at the front of the parietal lobes that recieves info from skin surface and sense organs

Outout motor cortex

- left hemispheres section controls the body's right side

Input motor cortex

- left hemisphere section recieves input from the body's right side

Visual cortex

- located in the ocipital lobe of the brain

Auditory cortex

- located in the temporal lobe of the brain

Specialization & Integration

- brain activity when hearin, seeing, and speaking works

Association areas

- integrate sensory info and stored memories

Left hemisphere

- processes logical tasks ex.) reading, writing, speaking, math
- controls the right side of our body

Right hemisphere

- processes non-verbal tasks ex.) mental imagery, musical/artistic ability
- controls the left side of the body

Corpus collosum

- wide band of axon fibers that connect the two hemispheres and allow them to communicate