Midbrain and Hindbrain Structures

Brain Structures

• The midbrain, also called mesencephalon, is composed of the tectum and tegmentum and serves important functions in motor movement, particularly eye movements, and auditory and visual processing.
• The midbrain is located within the brainstem and is relatively small compared to the forebrain and hindbrain.

Hindbrain Structures

• The hindbrain, also called rhombencephalon, is composed of the medulla oblongata, pons, and cerebellum.
• The hindbrain coordinates functions fundamental to survival, including respiratory rhythm, motor activity, sleep, and wakefulness.

The Two Hemispheres

• The left hemisphere of the brain is responsible for controlling the right side of the body.
• The left hemisphere performs tasks related to logic, such as in Science and Mathematics.
• It contains the motor cortex, prefrontal cortex, and Broca's area.

Lobes of the Brain

• The parietal lobe is located behind the frontal lobe and is involved in processing information from the body's senses.
• The somatosensory cortex, essential for processing sensory information, is located within the parietal lobe.
• The temporal lobe is associated with hearing, memory, emotion, and some aspects of language.
• The auditory cortex, responsible for processing auditory information, is located within the temporal lobe.
• The occipital lobe contains the primary visual cortex, responsible for interpreting incoming visual information.

The Limbic System

• The limbic system regulates temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar.
• The hippocampus and amygdala assist in forming memories.
• The limbic system is the center of emotions.
• Nerve impulses to the amygdala activate emotions such as anger, fear, and aggression.

Brain Development

• Self-control improves as adolescence become more capable of judging cause and effect.
• More sections of the brain become involved in managing emotions, and teenagers become better at understanding other emotions.

Brain Facts

• The brain is a complex organ made up of mutually dependent parts, each with its precise purpose.
• The brain consists of at least 60% fat.
• The forebrain is the largest part of the brain.
• The brain has three important sections: forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.