The Parts of the Brain
Medulla
This is the the base of the brainstem. It controls heartbeat and breathing
Thalamus
The thalamus looks similar to pair of egg-shaped structures. It is the brain's sensory control center. It directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla
Reticular Formation
The reticular formation extends from the spinal cord right up through the thalamus. This nerve network travels through the brainstem and thalamus and plays an important role in controlling arousal.
Cerebellum
This is known as the "little brain." It's located at the rear of the brainstem. The cerebellum processes sensory input, coordinates movement output and balance, and enables nonverbal learning and memory.
Amygdala
This two lima-bean-sized neural cluster is linked to emotions such as aggression and fear. It is part of the limbic system.
Hypothalamus
It is a neural structure lying below the thalamus. It directs several maintenance activities such as eating, drinking, and body temperature. The hypothalamus also governs the endocrine system and is linked to emotion and reward.
Wernicke's Area
The part of the brain is important for language development. It is located in the temporal lobe on the left side and is responsible for comprehension of speech
Broca's Area
It is located in the frontal lobe. The Broca's area is linked to speech production.
Corpus callosum
It is a broad band of nerve fibers. The corpus callosum's job is to join the two hemispheres of the brain
The Frontal Lobe
- involved in planning, organizing, problem solving, and selective attention
- carries higher mental processes such as thinking and decision making
- It is located at the front of the brain
The Parietal Lobe
- located towards the back of the brain
- processes sensory information within seconds
- Information such as temperature, touch, and taste are integrated
The Temporal Lobe
- located on the side of the brain
- this is responsible for processing auditory information from the ear
The Occipital Lobe
- This part of the brain is located in the very back of the brain
- It's function is processing visual information