(2.7-2.8) Brain Structure and Function: Imaging, Regions, and Lobes

Structural Brain Imaging

Methods like CT and MRI; study brain anatomy.

Functional Brain Imaging

Methods like EEG, MEG, PET, fMRI; study brain activity.

Hindbrain

Oldest brain region; controls basic life functions.

Medulla

Hindbrain structure controlling vital functions (heart rate, breathing).

Pons

Hindbrain 'bridge' connecting lower and upper brain regions.

Cerebellum

Hindbrain structure for movement, coordination, balance, and some memory/learning.

Brainstem

Extends from spinal cord to forebrain; regulates consciousness, pain, and life functions.

Reticular Formation

Midbrain network involved in arousal and consciousness.

Forebrain

Most evolved brain region; responsible for higher thinking and emotion.

Limbic System

Forebrain structures controlling emotion, motivation, memory, and learning.

Thalamus

Relays sensory information (except smell) to the cortex.

Hypothalamus

Regulates hunger, thirst, temperature, sex, sleep, and emotion.

Basal Ganglia

Controls movement, cognition, emotions, and some learning.

Amygdala

Controls fear, aggression, and reward processing.

Hippocampus

Critical for forming and consolidating new memories.

Occipital Lobe

Processes visual information.

Temporal Lobe

Processes auditory information.

Parietal Lobe

Contains somatosensory cortex; interprets bodily sensations.

Midbrain

Contains motor cortex; responsible for voluntary movement.

Prefrontal Cortex

Front of frontal lobe; controls personality, decision-making, planning, goal-setting, and socially appropriate behavior (executive function).