ap psych brain

brainstem

The brain’s innermost region and the most primitive part of the brain; it is located at the base of the brain, connected to the spinal cord. The structures of the brainstem help regulate vital body functions.

medulla

The control for your heartbeat and breathing at the base of the brainstem.

Reticular activating system

A nerve network that travels through the brainstem and thalamus and plays an important role in controlling wakefulness (a.k.a. arousal) and sleep-wake transitions.

thalamus

A pair of egg-shaped structures atop the brainstem that act as the brain’s sensory control center; It is considered the sensory “relay station” of the brain, passing information on to the cerebral cortex.

cerebellum

The “little brain” at the rear of the brainstem; functions include coordinating movement output, balance, and enabling nonverbal learning and procedural memory (memory for making skilled actions).

limbic system

The brain region between the oldest (brainstem) and newest (cerebral cortex) areas. This system contains the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. The structures of this system regulate your emotions, behavior, motivation and memory.

amydala

Two lima-bean-sized neural clusters linked to aggression, anger, and fear.

hippocampus

Plays a critical role in the formation, organization, and storage of new memories.

hypothalamus

Neural clusters in this area influence hunger as well as regulate thirst, body temperature, and sexual behavior. Together, they help maintain a steady internal state.

cerebral cortex

The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; it is the body’s ultimate control and information-processing center. It is divided into four regions called lobes.

frontal lobe

Involved in speaking, motor movements, judgment and decision-making.

parietal lobe

Receive and process sensory input for touch and body position.

Receives visual information, primarily from opposite visual field.

occipital lobe

temporal lobe

Receives auditory information, primarily from opposite ear.

motor cortex

An area at the rear of the frontal lobe that controls voluntary movements.

somatosensory cortex

An area at the front of parietal lobe that registers and processes body touch and movement sensations.

prefrontal cortex

The forward part of the frontal lobes that enable judgment, planning, and processing of new memories.

broca’s area

A region located in the LEFT frontal lobe associated with the facial muscles used in the production of speech.

wernicke’s area

A region located in the LEFT temporal lobe containing nerve tissue associated with the interpretation of sounds.

corpus callosum

A wide band of axon fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the brain. It acts as an information superhighway between the left and right hemispheres, thus allowing them to “speak” to each other.