Parts of the Brain

4 Lobes of the Brain

Frontal: Decision-making, problem-solving, and movement 

Temporal: Hearing and memory

Parietal: Sensory processing, connects both sides of your body sense-wise, may have unilateral neglect (can’t recognize one part of your body) when damaged, somatosensory cortex 

Occipital: Visual processing

Pre-Frontal Cortex: Executive functioning, the Brain’s “CEO,” planning systemized tasks in specific orders at specific times 

Cerebral cortex: Several thin layers of densely packed cells that cover the cerebrum, largely responsible for higher mental functions

Thalamus: Sensory relay to the cerebral cortex 

Hypothalamus: “Hypo” means under, regulates emotions, and drives vital to survival, such as eating, fighting, and fleeing, to help maintain homeostasis, regulates the autonomic nervous system 

Amygdala: “Fear” center of the brain, assesses the biological impact of sensory information and drives response accordingly, mediation of anxiety and depression; formation and retrieval of emotional memories

Pituitary Gland: The base of the brain under the direction of the hypothalamus, releases hormones and regulates endocrine levels

Cerebrum: 2 hemispheres, upper part of the brain, in charge of most sensory, motor, and cognitive processes 

Corpus Callosum: nerve fibers connecting the 2 cerebral hemispheres 


Brain Stem: 

Pons: Brain stem structure involved in sleeping, walking, and dreaming 

Medulla: Brain stem structure involved in autonomic functions, breathing, heart rate 

Reticular Activating System: A network of neurons at the brain stem core, regulates arousal,  Damage to the RAS results in lowered arousal of the prefrontal cortex, which contributes to many of the frontal lobe symptoms of closed head injury. 

Cerebellum: Behind the pons, regulates movement and balance 

Thalamus: Sensory relay to the cerebral cortex

  • Both areas of the brain collaborate, with each hemisphere contributing different abilities that complement each other for coordinated, complex behaviors.

LO 4.6.A – Neural Plasticity

  1. What evidence supports the idea that the brain is capable of neural plasticity?

  • Evidence includes studies showing that the brain can reorganize itself after injury, such as when other areas of the brain take over the functions of damaged regions.

LO 4.6.B – Cultural Influences on Brain Function

  1. How do cultural forces influence brain function and behavior?

  • Cultural experiences shape the brain by influencing how individuals perceive the world, process information, and interact with others. For example, bilingual individuals may have enhanced executive function due to exposure to multiple languages.

LO 4.6.C – Sex Differences in the Brain

  1. Why is it important to be cautious when assuming that sex differences in the brain are directly related to sex differences in behavior?

  • Brain differences between sexes are often subtle and do not necessarily lead to consistent or predictable differences in behavior. Additionally, social and environmental factors may have a significant influence on behavior beyond biological sex.

What are the functions of Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas?

  • Broca’s area controls speech production, while Wernicke’s area is involved in language comprehension.