AP PSYCH 2.6 The Brain

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