Neuroanatomy: Brain Structures, Functions, and Key Regions

gyrus

a ridge of fold on the brain's surface

sulcus

a shallow groove between gyri

fissure

a deep groove or fissure in the brain

cerebral cortex

the outer gray layer of the cerebrum responsible for thinking and processing information

cerebral white matter

inner brain tissue made of myelinated nerve fibers that connect brain areas

corpus callosum

nerve fibers connecting the left and right hemispheres

diencephalon

brain region containing the thalamus and hypothalamus, and pineal body

limbic system

controls emotions, memory, and motivation

meninges

three protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord

dura mater

tough outer layer of meninges

arachnoid mater

middle, web-like layer of the meninges

pia mater

thin inner layer that covers the brain surface

cerebrospinal fluid

fluid that cushions and protects the brain and spinal cord

primary somatic sensory area

receives sensory information like touch, pain, and temperature

primary motor area

controls voluntary muscle movement

Broca's area

controls speech production

Wernicke's area

involved in understanding language

gray matter

brain tissue with neuron cell bodies; processes information

thalamus

relays sensory signals to the cerebral cortex

hypothalamus

regulates hunger, thirst, temperature, hormones, and metabolism.

pituitary gland

secretes hormones that control other glands

brain stem

connects brain and spinal cord, controls vital functions

midbrain

part of the brainstem involved in vision, hearing, and motor control

pons

links brain parts; helps control breathing

medulla oblongata

controls heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure

reticular activating system

maintains alertness and wakefulness

cerebellum

coordinates balance, posture, and movement

cerebral cortex

outer brain layer for higher thought and reasoning

cerebrum

Diencephalon

Cerebellum

Brainstem

midbrain

Pons

medulla oblongata

cerebral cortex

gyrus

longitudinal fissure

white matter

Frontal lobe

Parietal lobe

occipital lobe

Temporal lobe

precentral gyrus

Postcentral Gyrus

central sulcus

lateral sulcus

hypothalamus

thalamus

pineal body

pituitary gland

corpus callosum

brocas area

Wernicke's area

primary motor cortex

cerebral hemispheres, diencephalon, brain stem, cerebellum

4 main parts of brain

frontal lobe

Contains the primary motor area —allows us to move our skeletal muscles consciously, engage in higher-order thinking, comprehend language, and store some memories.

parietal lobes

Contains the primary somatic sensory area, which recognizes pain, coldness, or a light touch.

temporal lobe

auditory and olfactory regions

occipital lobe

visual area

epithalamus

Contains the pineal body, part of the endocrine system, and the choroid plexus, which forms cerebrospinal fluid.