Brain Structures & Functions

The outer layer of the brain involved in complex mental functions like perception, thinking, and decision-making.

Cerebral Cortex

Controls executive functions, decision-making, motor control, and expressive language.

Frontal Lobe

Processes sensory input such as touch, temperature, and pain.

Parietal Lobe

Involved in auditory processing, language comprehension, and memory.

Temporal Lobe

Primarily responsible for visual processing.

Occipital Lobe

A thick band of nerve fibers that connects the brain's two hemispheres, allowing communication between them.

Corpus Callosum

A group of interconnected structures responsible for emotions, memory, and arousal.

Limbic System

Involved in processing emotions, especially fear and aggression.

Amygdala

Critical for the formation of new memories.

Hippocampus

Regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and the endocrine system via the pituitary gland.

Hypothalamus

Relays sensory information to the appropriate areas of the cortex.

Thalamus

Involved in movement regulation and habit learning.

Basal Ganglia

Coordinates voluntary movements, posture, and balance.

Cerebellum

Controls basic life functions like breathing and heart rate.

Brainstem

Regulates autonomic functions like heart rate and breathing.

Medulla Oblongata

Assists in motor control and sensory analysis; involved in sleep and arousal.

Pons

Involved in visual and auditory processing and motor control.

Midbrain

Arouses the cortex and screens incoming information; involved in sleep-wake cycles.

Reticular Activating System (RAS)

Plays a role in emotion regulation, impulse control, and decision-making.

Anterior Cingulate Cortex

Associated with planning, personality, and social behavior.

Prefrontal Cortex

Controls speech production (usually in the left frontal lobe).

Broca’s Area

Involved in language comprehension (typically in the left temporal lobe).

Wernicke’s Area