brain functions

corpus callosum

connects left and right brain hemispheres for communication

cerebral cortex

responsible for higher functions like thinking, learning, and memory

hippocampus

processes memories and recalls answers

limbic system

consits of hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala

hypothalamus

regulates body’s activities and processes new emotions

amygdala

controls emotional response

cerebellum

known as “little brain”

motor control for balance, posture, and movement

broca’s area

speech muscles

wernicke’s area

interprets auditory information

medulla

controls life-supporting functions like heart and breathing

plasticity

brain’s ability to change and reorganize after damage

brainstem

includes thalamus, reticular formation, brainstem, and medulla

thalamus

sensory switchboard (motherboard)

directs messages to sensory receiving areas in cortex

reticular formation

nerve network that controls wakefulness and arousal

lower level brain structure

includes medulla, cerebellum, and spinal cord