Brain Anatomy and Functions

Learn about the structure and functions of the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, limbic system, brain hemispheres, and the four lobes (frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital) of the cerebrum. Explore their roles in sensory perception, motor control, attention, memory, language processing, and more.

Created by

@CompatibleLion

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the grey matter in the cerebral cortex?

Processing of sensory information

Which structure is involved in habit formation and reward-based learning?

Basal ganglia

What is the primary function of the limbic system?

Emotion regulation

Which brain hemisphere is responsible for language processing and analytical thinking?

Left hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the parietal lobe?

Sensory processing Signup and view all the answers

Which lobe is involved in auditory processing and memory formation?

Temporal lobe Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cerebral Cortex

The outermost layer of the cerebrum, responsible for processing sensory information and controlling movement
Divided into four lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital
Composed of:
- Grey matter: neuronal cell bodies and dendrites
- White matter: myelinated axons
Functions:
- Sensory perception
- Motor control
- Attention
- Memory
- Language processing

Basal Ganglia

A group of structures located at the base of the cerebrum
Involved in movement control and cognition
Components:
- Caudate nucleus
- Putamen
- Globus pallidus
- Subthalamic nucleus
- Substantia nigra
Functions:
- Motor control
- Habit formation
- Reward-based learning
- Cognitive flexibility

Limbic System

A network of structures involved in emotion, motivation, and memory
Components:
- Hippocampus
- Amygdala
- Hypothalamus
- Cingulate gyrus
- Fornix
Functions:
- Emotion regulation
- Memory formation
- Motivation
- Arousal

Brain Hemisphere

The cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres: left and right
Each hemisphere is responsible for controlling the opposite side of the body
Functions:
- Left hemisphere: language processing, logic, and analytical thinking
- Right hemisphere: spatial processing, creativity, and intuition

The Four Lobes

Frontal Lobe
- Located in the front of the cerebrum
- Involved in:
  - Motor control
  - Executive functions (decision-making, planning)
  - Language processing
Parietal Lobe
- Located near the center of the cerebrum
- Involved in:
  - Sensory processing (touch, spatial awareness)
  - Attention
  - Memory
Temporal Lobe
- Located on the sides of the cerebrum
- Involved in:
  - Auditory processing
  - Memory formation
  - Language processing
Occipital Lobe
- Located at the back of the cerebrum
- Involved in:
  - Visual processing