IB Psychology HL: Localization of Function

Brainstem

Controls basic life functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and arousal.

Medulla Oblongata

Regulates vital involuntary functions like heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

Pons

Acts as a bridge for communication between brain regions and helps regulate sleep and breathing.

Reticular Formation

Maintains alertness and regulates arousal and attention.

Cerebellum

Coordinates balance, posture, and fine motor movements.

Limbic System

Involved in emotions, motivation, and memory.

Thalamus

Acts as the brain’s sensory relay station, directing information to the correct areas.

Hypothalamus

Maintains homeostasis by regulating hunger, thirst, body temperature, and hormones.

Amygdala

Processes emotions, especially fear and aggression.

Hippocampus

Essential for forming and storing new memories.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer brain layer responsible for higher-order thinking, perception, and voluntary actions.

Frontal Lobe

Governs decision-making, planning, problem-solving, and voluntary movement.

Parietal Lobe

Processes touch, spatial awareness, and sensory integration.

Occipital Lobe

Dedicated to visual processing.

Temporal Lobe

Handles hearing, language comprehension, and memory.

Corpus Callosum

Connects the two brain hemispheres and allows them to communicate.

Basal Ganglia

Helps control movement, coordination, and reward-based learning.