unit 1 ap psych parts of brain

hindbrain

contains brainstem structures that direct essential survival functions, such as breathing, sleeping, arousal, coordination, and balance

midbrain

contains structures that are involved in motor control, auditory and visual processing, and the regulation of arousal.

forebrain

manages complex cognitive activities, sensory and associative functions, and voluntary motor activities

brainstem

the central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; the brainstem is responsible for automatic survival functions

medulla

the hindbrain structure that is the brainstem’s base; controls heartbeat and breathing.

thalamus

a pair of egg-shaped structures that act as the brain’s sensory control center

recticular

a nerve network that travels through the brainstem into the thalamus; it filters information and plays an important role in controlling arousal.

cerebellum

the hindbrain’s “little brain” at the rear of the brainstem; its functions include processing sensory input, coordinating movement output and balance, and enabling nonverbal learning and memory.

limbic system

associated with emotions, drives, and memory formation, contains the amygdala, hypothalamus, hippocampus, thalamus, and pituitary gland

amygdala

two lima-bean–sized neural clusters — enables aggression and fear.

hypothalamus

influence hunger, thirst, body temperature, and sexual behavior-help maintain a steady (homeostatic) internal state.

hippocampus

processes conscious, explicit memories.

cerebral cortex

a thin surface layer of interconnected neural cells.

structure of cortex

frontal lobes: behind your forehead

parietal lobes: at the top and to the rear

occipital lobes: at the back of your head

motor cortex

cerebral cortex area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements

association areas

involved in higher mental functions such as learning, remembering, thinking, and speaking.

split brain

a condition resulting from surgery that isolates the brain’s two hemispheres by cutting the fibers