Major Regions and Functions of the Adult Brain

Cerebral hemispheres

Largest brain regions, responsible for higher functions.

Diencephalon

Contains thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus.

Brainstem

Includes midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

Cerebellum

Coordinates movement, balance, and motor control.

Lateral ventricles

Located in each cerebral hemisphere.

Third ventricle

Located in the diencephalon.

Fourth ventricle

Between brainstem and cerebellum, connects to spinal canal.

Frontal lobe

Involved in reasoning, planning, and movement.

Parietal lobe

Processes sensory information and spatial awareness.

Occipital lobe

Responsible for visual processing.

Temporal lobe

Involved in auditory processing and memory.

Insula

Involved in consciousness and emotion.

Longitudinal fissure

Separates the two cerebral hemispheres.

Lateral sulcus

Separates temporal lobe from frontal/parietal lobes.

Central sulcus

Separates frontal and parietal lobes.

Primary motor cortex

Controls voluntary muscle movements.

Primary somatosensory cortex

Processes sensory input from the body.

Left hemisphere

Dominant for language, logic, and math.

Right hemisphere

Responsible for creativity and visual-spatial skills.

Basal nuclei

Regulates movement initiation and smooth execution.

Thalamus

Relay station for sensory and motor signals.

Hypothalamus

Regulates autonomic functions and homeostasis.

Pineal gland

Secretes melatonin, regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Midbrain

Contains visual and auditory reflex centers.

Medulla oblongata

Regulates vital functions like heart rate.

Limbic system

Involved in emotions, memory, and motivation.

Meninges

Protective membranes covering the CNS.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Cushions and nourishes the brain and spinal cord.

Blood-Brain Barrier

Prevents harmful substances from entering brain tissue.

Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)

Blocked blood supply causing neurological deficits.

Alzheimer's Disease

Progressive memory loss due to brain plaques.

Parkinson's Disease

Dopamine deficiency causing tremors and rigidity.

Huntington's Disease

Genetic disorder causing involuntary movements.

CT Scan

Imaging technique using X-rays for brain structure.

MRI Scan

Uses magnetic fields to visualize soft tissues.

PET Scan

Detects metabolic activity in brain regions.

Flaccid Paralysis

Loss of voluntary movement due to lower motor neuron damage.

Spastic Paralysis

Loss of voluntary movement with intact reflexes.

Paresthesia

Loss of sensation, often described as tingling.