Subcortical structures

Thalamus

receives info from various senses and passes it on to the appropriate levels of the cortex for higher level processing. Acts as a ‘gate’ or filter of info. Also has a role in sleep and wakefulness.

Hypothalamus

sits below the thalamus. Controls motivational behaviours such as hunger, thirst and sex. Has a role in stress response through its control of ‘fight or flight’. Maintains balance of bodily functions eg. Temperature (homeostasis) and also regulates activity of hormones

Amygdala

in the limbic system. Plays a every key role in how animals assess and respond to environmental threats, regulates emotions such as fear and aggression

cerebellum

this word means little brain. It coordinates posture, balance and movement. It does this by receiving and integrating info from the spinal cord.

Corpus callosum

Dense collection of nerve cells which physically connects the two hemispheres below the cerebral cortex. It allows communication between the hemispheres

Hippocampus

memory