Brain Anatomy

Human Brain

Highly developed mammalian brain with a larger cerebral cortex for complex intelligence and cognitive processes.

Lizard Brain

Primitive brain structure (reptilian brain or hindbrain) regulating involuntary body functions like heart rate and breathing.

Mammalian Brain

Brain between reptilian and human brain, controlling voluntary body movements, sensory perception, and emotional processing.

Cerebrum

Brain division responsible for higher cognitive functions like memory, thought, and emotion.

Brainstem

Brain division controlling involuntary body functions and vital systems like heart rate and respiration.

Cerebral Cortex

Outermost layer of the cerebrum responsible for sensory perception, cognition, and voluntary motor control.

Gyri

Ridges of the cerebral cortex increasing brain surface area for efficient information processing.

Sulci

Crevices between gyri allowing the brain to expand and contract.

Fissures

Major fissures include longitudinal (separating brain hemispheres), transverse (separating lobes), and lateral (separating lobes).

Four Lobes of the Brain

Frontal lobe (executive functioning), parietal lobe (sensory processing), occipital lobe (visual processing), and temporal lobe (auditory processing).

Medulla Oblongata

Lowest brainstem section controlling functions like breathing, heart rate, and digestion.

Pons

Brainstem structure above medulla oblongata, receiving sensory information and controlling involuntary movements.

Reticular Formation

Network of nerve cells in brainstem regulating sensory information filtering, sleep, and consciousness.

Thalamus

Brain region acting as a relay station for sensory information to the cerebral cortex, aiding in communication and consciousness regulation.

Amygdala

Brain region involved in emotional and memory processing, especially emotional memories, fear, and anxiety.

Hypothalamus

Brain region regulating physiological functions like hormone release, body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep, and circadian rhythms.

Cranial Nerves

Twelve nerves with various functions, including optic, oculomotor, trochlear, trigeminal, abducens, facial, vestibulocochlear, glossopharyngeal, vagus, spinal accessory, and hypoglossal nerves.