brain structures and development

brain stem location

base of brain connected to spinal cord

brain stem development

first to develop in womb

brain stem purposes

autonomic functions (e.g. sleeping, eating, breathing)

cerebellum location

top of the spinal cord

cerebellum development

one of last to reach maturity

cerebellum purposes

language, motor activity (coordination, movement and balance)

thalamus location

deep in the brain and one in each hemisphere

thalamus purposes

information hub, coordinates motor signals, sends signals to visual cortex

(cerebral)cortex location

two hemispheres and covers the brain

(cerebral) cortex purposes

cognitive process, directing motor activity, processing visual and auditory information

(cerebral) cortex development

functions in the womb but basic and continues to develop throughout life