Brain Structures
This part of the brain is the oldest part. It begins where the spinal cord swells and it enters the skull. This is responsible for automatic survival functions.
What is the brainstem?
This is the what we call the brains wrinkled outer surface. This part of the brain is the ultimate information processing center
What is the cerebral cortex?
These parts of a neuron receive information from other neurons & pass information through cell body
What is a dendrite?
This part of the cerebral cortex allows the two halves of our brain to communicate with each other.
What is the corpus callosum?
This hemisphere is known for mathematical ability, calculations, logic, and speech
What is the left hemisphere?
This structure is where your cardiovascular and respiratory systems link together into a united system that controls your heart rate, breathing, blood pressure and more.
What is the medulla?
Cell for cell, this part of the brain is the most crucial. It helps regulate many of our daily functions, such as hunger, thirst, and body temperature.
What is the hypothalamus?
These parts of a neuron transmits information away from cell body
What is an axon?
This lobe is located above the ears is responsible for processing hearing
What is the temporal lobe?
This is the important link between the nervous system and the endocrine system. It releases many hormones which affect growth, metabolism, sexual development and the reproduction system.
What is the pituitary gland?
Meaning "little brain" in Latin, is primarily responsible for the coordination of movement, maintaining posture and balance, muscle tone, and motor learning
What is the cerebellum?
Without this part of the limbic system you would be unable to process new permanent memories.
What is the hippocampus?
This is the white fatty material that insulates nerve fibers and speeds up impulses
What is the myelin sheath?
This part of the cortex is located at the back of the head and is responsible for processing vision.
What is the occipital lobe?
This part of the nervous system is sometimes referred to as the "fight or flight" system
What is the sympathetic nervous system?
This "inner chamber" is located at the top of the brainstem and is often referred to as a "sensory switchboard" that directs messages to the sensory areas of the brain.
What is the thalamus?
Emotions such as fear and anger are controlled by this "almond" shaped part of the limbic system
What is the amygdala?
These are chemicals released by neurons across the synaptic cleft. There are three types: excitatory, inhibitory, and modulatory
What are neurotransmitters?
This is a part of the cortex that is still developing in teenagers and is responsible for planning and judgment.
What is the frontal lobe?
This 'area' of the brain, located on the left frontal lobe directs the muscle movements involved in speech (expressive language)
What is Broca's area?
Handles unconscious processes and jobs, such as your sleep-wake cycle and breathing
What is the pons?
Acts as the communication pathway between the brain and the rest of the body
What is the spinal cord?
This neurotransmitter acts on areas of the brain to give you feelings of pleasure, satisfaction and motivation. It also has a role to play in controlling memory, mood, sleep, learning, and concentration
This part of your brain integrates many sensory inputs so that you can understand your environment and the state of your body. This part of your brain helps give meaning to what's going on in your environment.
What is the parietal lobe?
Without this area of the brain we would have a hard time comprehending the meaning of words (receptive language)
What is Wernicke's area?