Parts of the Brain

Brainstem

• Handles automatic function

• Controls primal processes

• Everything essential for life

Medulla

• At base of the brainstem

• Responsible for breathing and heart beating

Pons

• Handles muscle movement

• Basic movement control

• Reflex

• Involuntary movement

• Arousal

• Helps communicate between the cerebellum and forebrain

Reticular Formation

• A nerve network in the brainstem

• Controls arousal

• Damage to this causes narcolepsy

Cerebellum

• "Little Brain" at rear of brainstem

• Coordinates voluntary movement and balance

• Implicit/procedural memory like walking

Limbic System

• Neural structures between brainstem and cerebellum

• Associated with primal emotions like fear and aggression

• Drives for food and sex

Amygdala

• 2 bean sized neural clusters

• Emotions such as fear and anger

  • All emotions to an extent

Thalamus

• Sensory switchboard/call center

• On top of brainstem

• Directs messages to sensory areas

• Transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla

Hypothalamus

• Directs maintenance activities like eating, drinking, body temperature

• Control of emotions

• Stimulates or inhibits pituitary gland

Hippocampus

• Works with amygdala to regulate emotions

• Primary function is moving short term memories to long term

Cerebral Cortex

• Intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells that cover the hemispheres

Frontal Lobe

• Reasoning, planning, emotions, problem solving, impulse control

• Parts of speech

• Movement

Parietal Lobe

• Movement, orientation

• Recognition, perception, understanding

Temporal Lobe

• Perception, memory

• Speech, facial recognition

• Auditory stimuli

Occipital Lobe

• Visual processing