Overview of Brain Structures and Their Functions

Medulla Oblongata

Controls heart rate, breathing, and reflexes

Pons

Regulates breathing; relays messages between brain regions

Midbrain

Controls visual and auditory reflexes

Cerebellum

Coordinates movement, balance, and posture

Gyri

Increase brain surface area

Sulci

Separate brain regions and lobes

Central Sulcus

Divides motor and sensory areas

Lateral Sulcus

Separates temporal lobe from frontal/parietal lobes

Parieto-occipital Sulcus

Divides parietal and occipital lobes

Frontal Lobe

Controls decision-making, movement, and personality

Primary Motor Cortex

Controls voluntary muscle movement

Broca's Area

Produces speech (left side only)

Parietal Lobe

Processes touch, pressure, pain, temperature

Primary Somatosensory Cortex

Receives sensory input from the body

Occipital Lobe

Processes visual information

Primary Visual Cortex

Interprets visual input

Temporal Lobe

Processes hearing and memory

Primary Auditory Cortex

Interprets sounds

Wernicke's Area

Comprehends language (left side only)