Brain Structure and Function

Study Notes

The brain is composed of three main parts: hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain
The hindbrain is located at the rear base of the skull and is involved in basic life processes
The hindbrain includes the cerebellum, medulla, and pons
The cerebellum helps control posture, balance, and voluntary movements
The medulla controls breathing, heart rate, and various reflexes
The pons functions as a bridge between the spinal cord and brain and produces chemicals for sleep

The midbrain is a small part of the brain above the pons that integrates sensory information
The medulla, pons, and midbrain compose most of the brain stem
The reticular activating system (RAS) spans across these structures, alerting the brain to incoming signals and involved in the sleep/wake cycle

The forebrain covers the brain's central core and includes the thalamus, which integrates sensory input
The thalamus is a relay station for sensory information to the cortex
All sensory information except smell enters the thalamus and is sent to the appropriate areas in the cortex
The hypothalamus controls functions such as hunger, thirst, and sexual behavior, as well as body temperature reactions

The cerebral cortex and cerebrum surround the hindbrain and brain stem
The cerebral cortex gives the ability to learn, store complex information, and project thinking into the future
The cortex is the site of conscious thinking processes and is less than one-fourth inch thick

The limbic system is composed of structures that regulate emotions and motivations
The limbic system includes the hypothalamus, amygdala, thalamus, and hippocampus
The amygdala controls violent emotions such as rage and fear
The hippocampus is important for forming new memories

The cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres, connected by the corpus callosum
Each hemisphere has deep grooves marking regions or lobes
The occipital lobe processes visual signals, and damage can cause visual problems
The parietal lobe is concerned with sensory information from the body
The temporal lobe is concerned with hearing, memory, emotion, and speaking
The frontal lobe is concerned with organization, planning, and creative thinking