Brain Regions and Plasticity: Hindbrain to Plasticity

Hindbrain includes the cerebellum, the medulla, and the pons.
Medulla attaches to the spinal cord; controls functions such as breathing, maintaining muscle tone, and regulating circulation.
Pons: bridge of fibers that connects the brainstem with the cerebellum; involved in sleep and arousal.
Cerebellum: located adjacent to the back surface of the brainstem; coordinates fine muscle movement, balance.
Midbrain: the segment of the brainstem that lies between the hindbrain and forebrain.

The largest and most complicated region of the brain. Subcortical structures include:
Thalamus, where all sensory information (except smell) must pass to get to the cerebral cortex.
Hypothalamus, near the base of the forebrain, helps regulate basic biological needs.
Limbic system, located along the border between the cerebral cortex and deeper subcortical areas, regulates endocrine function in response to emotional stimuli; linked to the experience of emotions, but exact mechanisms of control not yet well understood.

Cerebral cortex: The outer layer of the cerebrum. Responsible for most complex mental activities, including learning, remembering, thinking, and consciousness.
Cerebral hemispheres: The right and left halves of the cerebrum separated in the center of the brain by the longitudinal fissure that descends to a thick band of fibers called the corpus callosum.
Corpus callosum: The major structure that connects the two cerebral hemispheres. Each hemisphere is divided into four lobes $4$ lobes.

Occipital lobe: Includes the cortical area where most visual signals are sent and visual processing is begun.
Parietal lobe: Includes the area that registers the sense of touch.
Temporal lobe: Contains an area devoted to auditory processing.
Frontal lobe: Contains the principal areas that control the movement of muscles.

Research shows: Aspects of experience can sculpt features of brain structure.
Damage to incoming sensory pathways or the destruction of brain tissue can lead to neural reorganization.
The adult brain can generate new neurons, in a process called neurogenesis.
Research suggests that the brain is not hard wired and neural wiring of the brain is flexible and constantly evolving. That said, this plasticity is not unlimited.