the brain

Hippocampus

.a neural center located in the limbic system;

. process for storage explicit memories of facts and events.

Thalamus

the brain’s sensory control center

located on top of the brainstem

directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex

transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla.

Medulla

the base of the brain stem

responsible for heartbeat and breathing.

Hypothalamus

neural structure lying below the thalamus

it directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temperature),

helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland,

and is linked to emotion and reward.

Amygdala

two lima-bean-sized neural clusters

; linked to emotion.

Reticular Formation

nerve network that travels through the brainstem into the thalamus

and plays a role in controlling arousal.

Brainstem

the oldest part of the brain,

beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull

it is responsible for automatic survival functions.

Cerebral Cortex

the intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres

the body’s ultimate control and information-processing center.

Frontal Lobes

the portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead

involved in speaking and muscle movements and in making plans and judgments.

Parietal Lobes

the portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and toward the rear

receives sensory input for touch and body position.

Occipital Lobes

the portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head

; includes areas that receive information from the visual fields.

Temporal Lobes

the portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears;

includes the auditory areas,

each receiving information primarily from the opposite ear.

Motor Cortex

area at the rear of the frontal lobes

controls voluntary movements.

Somatosensory Cortex

an area at the front of the parietal lobes

registers and processes body touch and movement sensations.

Plasticity

the brain’s ability to change.