Older Brain Structures
What is the Brainstem?
The Brainstem is the oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; the brainstem is responsible for automatic survival functions.
What is the The Limbic System?
The neural system (including the amygdala, hypothalamus, and hippocampus) located below the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives
What is the Cerebral Cortex?
The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; the body’s ultimate control and information-processing center
What is the Temporal lobe?
The portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears; includes the auditory areas, each receiving information primarily from the opposite ear
What structure runs through the Brainstem?
The Reticular Formation
What is the Medulla?
The Medulla is the base of the brainstem; it controls heartbeat and breathing.
What is the Amygdala?
Two lima bean-sized neural clusters in the limbic system; linked to emotion.
What is the Frontal Lobe?
The portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead; involved in speaking and muscle movements and in making plans and judgments
What is the Motor cortex?
A cerebral cortex area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements
What structure is located in the back of the Brain near the brainstem
The Cerebellum
What is the Thalamus?
The brain’s sensory control center, located on top of the brainstem; it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla.
What is the Hypothalamus?
a neural structure in the limbic system lying below (hypo) the thalamus; it directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temperature), helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion and reward
What is the pre frontal cortex?
The forward part of the frontal lobes, it enables judgment, planning, and processing of new memories
What is the Somatosensory cortex?
A cerebral cortex area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes body touch and movement sensations
What is the function of the Motor Cortext?
Controls voluntary movement
What is the Reticular Formation?
A nerve network that travels through the brainstem into the thalamus; filters information and plays an important role in controlling arousal
What is the Hippocampus?
A neural center located in the limbic system; helps process explicit (conscious) memories—of facts and events—for storage
What is the parietal lobe?
The portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and toward the rear; receives sensory input for touch and body position
What structure is located at the front of the Brain?
The Pre-Frontal Cortext
What is the Cerrubellum?
The Cerebellum is the “little brain” at the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input, coordinating movement output and balance, and enabling nonverbal learning and memory
What is the Occipital lobe?
The portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes areas that receive information from the visual fields
What is the function of the Amygdala?
Controls emotions/linked to emotions