the forebrain

Overview of neuroanatomy

Thalamus:

The brain region that surrounds the 3rd ventricle, serving as the sensory relay station, located above the hypothalamus

what are some of the main functions of the thalamus?

relays senses to the cerebral cortex, handles motor and movement signals, and controls alertness and focus.

hypothalamus

situated below the thalamus, and acts as the body’s main control center to maintain internal stability, as a small, but vital region.

What is the hypothalamus commonly known as?

The survival structure of the species

what are some of the main functions of the hypothalamus?

The hypothalamus helps to maintain homeostasis by maintaining body temperature, hunger, and thirst, the biological clock, and the fight or flight reflex.

Basal Ganglia

A group of forebrain nuclei located deep inside the center of the brain, also known as the striatum.

what are some of the main functions of the basal ganglia?

It helps control movement, learning, and emotions, as well as habit formation, and processing rewards, goals, and feelings.

What are the main parts of the basal ganglia?

Caudate nucleus, and the lenticular formation (putamen and the globus pallidus)

caudate nucleus

part of the basal ganglia, named for its long extension or tail. It is shaped like the letter “C”.

what are some of the main functions of the caudate nucleus?

helps plan, start, and control the smoothness of voluntary movements, routine, memory, reward and emotion.

Lenticular formation

a lens -shaped mass of grey matter in the brain that helps control voluntary body movements.

What are the parts of the lenticular nucleus?

Putamen and globus pallidus

Putamen

the outer, largest part of the lenticular, that plays a primary role in regulating movement and motor control. Its main functions involve motor control (fine tuning voluntary and involuntary movements) motor learning, habit formation, and rewards.

Globus Pallidus

A deep brain structure in the lenticular that helps control consciousness and voluntary movements. It also sense “stopping” or “calming” signals to the thalamus to stop unwanted movements.

Corpus callosum

A thick band of nerve fibers that connects the right and left hemispheres.