brain labeling
Where is the hypothalamus?
It’s located below the thalamus and above the pituitary gland, forming the floor of the third ventricle.
Function: Controls homeostasis — regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, emotions, and hormone release via the pituitary gland.
Spinal cord:
It extends from the medulla oblongata down through the vertebral column.
Function: Transmits information between the brain and body; also coordinates reflexes.
Cerebral aqueduct:
A narrow canal running through the midbrain that connects the third and fourth ventricles.
Function: Allows cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to flow between ventricles.
A gyrus / sulcus:
- Gyrus (plural: gyri): A ridge or raised fold on the brain’s surface (increases surface area).
- Sulcus (plural: sulci): A shallow groove between gyri.
Where is the infundibulum and what is its function?
It’s the stalk connecting the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland.
Function: Transmits hormones and signals between the hypothalamus and pituitary.
| Structure | Function | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|
| Corpus callosum | Connects the left and right hemispheres; allows communication between them. | |
| Fornix | Connects hippocampus to hypothalamus; involved in memory and emotion. | |
| Septum pellucidum / lateral ventricle region | Separates the two lateral ventricles (CSF-filled chambers). | |
| Thalamus | Relay center for sensory information to the cerebral cortex. | |
| Hypothalamus | Regulates homeostasis: hunger, thirst, temperature, and hormone control via the pituitary gland. | |
| Pituitary gland (hypophysis) | Secretes hormones controlling growth, metabolism, and reproduction. | |
| Pineal gland | Secretes melatonin; regulates sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm). | |
| Superior colliculus (of midbrain) | Visual reflexes; tracking moving objects. | |
| Inferior colliculus (of midbrain) | Auditory reflexes; sound localization. | |
| Cerebellum | Coordinates voluntary movement, balance, and posture. | |
| Pons | Relays signals between cerebrum and cerebellum; aids in breathing regulation. | |
| Medulla oblongata | Controls vital functions: heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. | |
| Spinal cord | Transmits information between brain and body; reflex center. | |
| Arbor vitae (of cerebellum) | White matter in cerebellum; helps coordinate motor control. | |
| Fourth ventricle | Contains cerebrospinal fluid; cushions brain and spinal cord. | |
| Midbrain (mesencephalon) | Visual and auditory processing; motor control. | |
| Mammillary body | Involved in memory processing and olfactory reflexes. | |
| Optic chiasm | Site where optic nerves cross; visual information routing. | |
| Cerebral cortex (frontal lobe area) | Involved in reasoning, planning, problem-solving, and voluntary movement. |
Limbic System
The limbic system is a complex set of brain structures located below the cortex that is involved in emotion, motivation, memory, and olfaction.
Its main structures and functions include:
- Amygdala: Primarily involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and aggression, and forming emotional memories.
- Hippocampus: Crucial for the formation of new long-term memories and spatial navigation.
- Hypothalamus: (As noted above) Plays a vital role in regulating autonomic functions, hormone release, and connecting the limbic system to other brain regions, influencing emotional responses and motivation.
- Cingulate Gyrus: Located above the corpus callosum, it's involved in emotion formation and processing, learning, and memory.
- Fornix: (As noted above) A C-shaped bundle of nerve fibers that connects the hippocampus to the hypothalamus and other parts of the limbic system, important for memory recall.
- Thalamus: (As noted above) While a relay center generally, it has connections within the limbic system that contribute to emotional processing and arousal.
- Basal Ganglia: A group of subcortical nuclei interconnected with the cerebral cortex, thalamus, and brainstem. They are involved in various functions, including the control of voluntary motor movements, procedural learning, habit formation, eye