AP Psych: Parts of the Brain (Location & Function)

Location: Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain that surrounds the deeper brain structures; divided into four lobes.

Function: Cerebral Cortex

Controls higher-level functions such as thinking

Location: Thalamus

Located near the center of the brain

Function: Thalamus

Acts as a sensory relay station

Location: Hypothalamus

Located below the thalamus and near the base of the brain.

Function: Hypothalamus

Regulates basic drives and homeostasis

Location: Pituitary Gland

Located below the hypothalamus and attached to it.

Function: Pituitary Gland

Releases hormones that regulate growth and influence other endocrine glands; often called the "master gland."

Location: Hippocampus

Located in the limbic system within the temporal lobe.

Function: Hippocampus

Plays an important role in forming and storing new explicit memories.

Location: Amygdala

Located in the limbic system within the temporal lobe

Function: Amygdala

Involved in processing emotions

Location: Brainstem

Located at the base of the brain

Function: Brainstem

Controls basic life-supporting functions and helps regulate arousal and sleep.

Location: Parietal Lobe

Located at the upper rear portion of the cerebral cortex

Function: Parietal Lobe

Processes touch and other body sensations and helps with spatial awareness.

Location: Corpus Callosum

A large bundle of neural fibers connecting the left and right cerebral hemispheres.

Function: Corpus Callosum

Allows the two brain hemispheres to communicate with each other.

Location: Cerebellum

Located at the back of the brain

Function: Cerebellum

Coordinates balance

Location: Medulla

Located at the lower part of the brainstem

Function: Medulla

Controls vital automatic functions such as breathing