AP Psych: Unit 1.2- Brain Structures and Functions (Notes Version)

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain, responsible for higher-level cognitive functions including thinking, perceiving, and decision making

Lobes of the Brain

The four main regions into which the cerebral cortex is divided

Association Areas

Parts of the brain that take information from our senses and put it together to help us understand the world around us

Frontal Lobes

Located at the front of the brain and are involved in higher-level cognitive functions, including decision-making, problem-solving, planning, and personality expression

Prefrontal Cortex

A region of the brain located in the frontal lobe, responsible for higher-level cognitive functions and executive functioning

Motor Cortex

Region of the brain located in the frontal lobe, responsible for planning, executing, and controlling voluntary movements of the body

Parietal Lobes

Located at the top of the brain and are primarily responsible for processing sensory information from the body such as touch, temperature, and spatial awareness

Somatosensory Cortex

Region of the brain located in the parietal lobe, responsible for processing sensations from the skin, muscles, and joints

Occipital Lobes

Located at the back of the brain and is primarily responsible for processing visual information received from the eyes

Temporal Lobes

Located on the sides of the brain and are involved in processing auditory information, language comprehension, and memory formation

Corpus Callosum

Thick band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain, facilitating communication and information sharing between the two hemispheres

Brainstem

The oldest and most primitive part of the brain, responsible for basic life sustaining functions such as breathing, heart rate, and sleep-wake cycles

Medulla

Vital structure located at the base of the brainstem, regulating essential autonomic functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure

Reticular activating system

A network of neurons located in the brainstem that play a critical role in regulating arousal, attention, and consciousness

Cerebellum

Located at the back of the brain, below the cerebral hemispheres, responsible for coordinating movement, balance, and posture

Limbic System

A set of brain structures involved in emotions, memory, and motivation

Reward Center

Network of brain structures primarily located in the limbic system that processes pleasurable experiences and reinforces behaviors associated with them

Thalamus

A relay station in the brain that processes and relays sensory information such as sight, sound, touch, and taste to the cerebral cortex

Hypothalamus

A small but powerful structure located below the thalamus, responsible for regulating various essential bodily functions, including hunger, thirst, body temperature, and the sleep-wake cycle

Pituitary Gland

Small pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain, often referred to as the master gland due to its central role in regulating hormone production and secretion throughout the body

Hippocampus

Curved structure located within the brain’s temporal lobe, primarily responsible for forming and consolidating new memories

Amygdala

Small, almond shaped structure located deep within the brain’s temporal lobes, involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and aggression