Brain structure and function

Forebrain

The part of the brain involved in complex sensory, emotional, and cognitive processes.

Midbrain

The middle part of the brain that functions in vision, hearing, movement, and arousal.

Hindbrain

The part of the brain responsible for movement, balance, and vital functions.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

A fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, acting as a cushion to prevent injury.

Meninges

Multilayered tissue covering the brain and spinal cord for additional protection.

Ventricles

Network of cavities in the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid that aids in protection against head injuries.

Basal Ganglia

Group of nuclei in the brain involved in the control of movement and automatic responses.

Limbic System

A set of brain structures involved in emotion, memory, and learning.

Gyri

The raised areas or bumps on the surface of the brain.

Sulci

The grooves or cracks on the surface of the brain.

Hippocampus

A critical structure for memory storage and affected by neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease.

Wernicke's Area

An area in the left hemisphere of the brain important for language comprehension.

Damage lead to understand and respond to language

Cerebellum

The part of the brain at the back that coordinates fin muscles movement and balance posture

Frontal Lobe

The front part of the brain involved in executive functions, abstract thinking, and voluntary movements, social behaviour and personality

Somatosensory Cortex

Part of the parietal lobe that processes touch and bodily sensations.

Occipital Lobe

The back part of the brain primarily responsible for processing visual information.

Temporal Lobe

The part of the brain located on the lower sides that specializes in hearing and language processing.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain consisting of folded layers that facilitate higher mental activities.

What are the lobes of the brain?

The lobes of the brain are regions that specialize in different functions, including the Frontal Lobe (executive function), Parietal Lobe (sensory processing), Occipital Lobe (vision), and Temporal Lobe (hearing and language).

Prefrontal Cortex

Part of the frontal lobe involved in complex cognitive behavior, decision making, and moderating social behavior.

Thalamus

Part of the forebrain serving as the main relay station for sensory information before it reaches the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

A small region of the forebrain responsible for, controlling hunger, sleep , emotions and sexual activity and circadian rhythms.

Cerebrum

is the largest part of the brain, responsible for higher brain functions such as thought, action, and sensory processing.

Cerebrum

Largest part of brain , responsible for higher level functions , divided into two hemispheres

Outer layer of cerebrum = cerebral cortex or gray matter

Further divided into 4 lobes

Cerebral cortex

The outer layer of the brain consisting of folded layers (gyro/sulci) that facilitate higher mental activities.

Broca's Area

An area in the frontal lobe crucial for language production and speech articulation.

Occipital Cortex

Part of the occipital lobe that processes visual information from the eyes.

Amygdala

A structure in the limbic system involved in emotion regulation, particularly fear and pleasure responses.

Sensory Cortex

Part of the brain located in the parietal lobe that processes sensory information from the body.

Motor Cortex

Located in the frontal lobe, it is responsible for planning and executing voluntary movements.

Brain Stem

The part of the brain connecting to the spinal cord, controlling vital functions such as heart rate and breathing.

Corpus Callosum

The thick bundle of nerve fibers connecting the left and right hemispheres of the brain, facilitating intercommunication.

Amygdala

A structure in the limbic system involved in emotion regulation, particularly fear and pleasure responses aggression

Hippocampus

A critical structure for memory storage and affected by neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease.

Septal area

Part of limbic system, responsible for pleasure, relief from pain , emotionally significant Learning

Limbic system structures

Septal area, amygdala and hippocampus

Gray Matter

The part of the brain and spinal cord made up of neuronal cell bodies and unmyelinated axons, involved in processing and cognition.

White matter

The part of the brain and spinal cord made up of myelinated axons, responsible for transmitting signals between different brain regions.

Brain stem

The part of the brain connecting to the spinal cord, controlling vital functions such as heart rate and breathing and consciousness

Pons

• contains fibre and connects medulla and cerebellum with upper portion of brain stem ,

•  involved in respiration and sleep and waking/dreaming

Medulla oblongata

• regulates vital functions (respiration, heartbeat, blood flow, reflexes muscle tone).

• Just above spinal cord

Hindbrain structures

Pons, cerebellum, and medulla oblongata