Download Summary of the Major Brain Structures

Summary of the Major Brain Structures
Structure
Hindbrain (part of the brain stem)
•
Medulla
•
Pons
•
Cerebellum
•
Reticular Formation
Midbrain (part of the brain stem)
•
Substantia nigra
Forebrain
•
•
Cerebral cortex
o Temporal lobe
o
Occipital lobe
o
Parietal lobe
o
Frontal lobe
Corpus callosum
Function
A region at the based of the brain that contains several
structures that regulate basic life structures.
Controls vital autonomic life functions such as breathing,
circulation, digestion and heart rate. The medulla also
controls a number of vital reflexes, such as swallowing,
coughing, vomiting and sneezing. Area where neural
messages from each side of the body cross to the opposite
side of the brain.
A hindbrain structure that connects the medulla to the
two sides of the cerebellum; helps coordinate and
integrate movements on each side of the body.
A large two-sided hindbrain structure at the back of the
brain responsible for muscle coordination and
maintaining posture and equilibrium. It is involved in the
learning of automatic movements and motor skills such
as typing, or writing. Damage to this region can result in
jerky uncoordinated movements.
A network of nerve fibers located in the center of the
medulla that helps regulate attention, arousal and sleep.
It seems to help filter out unimportant sensory
information.
The middle and smallest brain region. It is involved in
processing auditory and visual sensory information.
An area of the midbrain that is involved in motor control
and contains a large concentration of dopamineproducing neurons. Degeneration of dopamine producing
neurons is associated with Parkinson’s disease.
The wrinkled outer portion of the forebrain, which
contains the most sophisticated brain centers.
Contains centers involved in complex behaviors
An area on each hemisphere of the cerebral cortex near
the temples that is the primary receiving area for auditory
information.
An area at the back of each cerebral hemisphere that is
the primary receiving area for visual information.
An area on each hemisphere of the cerebral cortex
located above the temporal lobe that process somatic
sensations including touch, temperature, pressure and
information from receptors in the muscles and joints.
The largest lobe of each cerebral hemisphere; processing
of voluntary muscle movements and is involved in
thinking, planning and emotional control.
A thick band of fibers that connect the two cerebral
hemispheres and acts as a communication link between
the two.
Figures in
textbook
Figure
2.15
Figure
2.18
Figure
2.17
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Limbic system
• Thalamus
•
Hypothalamus
•
Hippocampus
•
Amygdala
Processes and distributes almost all of the sensory and
motor information going to and from the cerebral cortex.
It is thought to be involved in regulating levels of
awareness, attention, motivation and emotional aspects of
sensation.
A peanut-sized structure that regulates behavior
important for survival, such as eating, during, frequency
of sexual activity, fear and aggression. The
suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) plays a role in regulating
daily sleep-wake cycles and other rhythms of the body.
The hypothalamus produces both neurotransmitters and
hormones that directly influence the pituitary gland. It
also regulates the autonomic nervous system.
A large structure embedded in the temporal lobe that
plays a role in the ability to form new memories.
An almond shaped structure that is involved in
controlling a variety of emotional response patterns,
including fear, anger, and disgust. It is also involved in
learning and memory formation.
Figure
2.21
Figure
2.20
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