Brain Subdivisions

forebrain

olfaction, integration of sensory information, and coordination of behavior

telencephalon

found in forebrain. cerebrum responsible for motor function, movement, sensory processing, language and communication as well as learning and memory

diencephalon

found in the forebrain. contains the thalamus, hypothalamus, pineal gland, and pituitary

Midbrain

coordinates reflex responses to auditory and visual stimuli

mesencephalon

found in midbrain. in non-mammals: optic lobe (coordinates sensory input from eyes). in mammals: superior colliculi (controlling eye movements), inferior colliculi (processing auditory info). Fish and birds tend to have a large midbrain. greatly reduced in mammals

hindbrain

responsible for vital body processes like breathing, circulation, and movement

metencephalon

found in hindbrain. cerebellum: integrates sensory input from eyes, ears, and muscle with motor commands from the forebrain = motor coordination. pons: important way station for information.

myelencephalon

medulla oblongata: reflex center for involuntary functions such as heartbeat, BP, breathing, vomiting, sneezing.