Lobes
Lobes of the brain
Divides the brain into 4 main regions
Prefrontal cortex
In the frontal lobe, higher-level thinking, cognitive functions & executive functioning
Corpus Callosum
Connects the left & right side of the brain
Limbic System
Located beneath the cerebral cortex, a set of brain structures is involved in emotions, memory, & motivation
Hippocampus
In the temporal lobe, responsible for forming & consolidating new memories
Frontal lobe
Processes higher-level thinking and cognitive functions. (Decision-making, problem-solving, planning & personality)
Executive functioning
Enables individuals to plan, organize, strategize, focus attention, regulate emotions & manage time
Brain stem
The most primitive part of the brain, responsible for basic life-sustaining functions such as breathing, heart rate, & sleep-wake cycle
Reward center
In the limbic system, processes pleasurable experiences & reinforces behaviors associated with them
Amygdala
Occipital lobe
Processes visual information received from the eyes
Cerebral cortex
Outer layer of the whole brain, higher-level cognitive functions like thinking, perceiving, & decision-making
Medulla
The base of the brainstem, regulates autonomic functions such as heartbeat, breathing, & blood pressure
Thalamus
Processes & relays sensory information such as sight, touch, & taste to the cerebral cortex
Broca's area
Speech production & language processing
Temporal lobe
Processes auditory information, language comprehension & memory formation
Motor cortex
In the frontal lobe, planning, executing, & controlling voluntary movements of the body
Reticular activating system
Neurons in the brain stem, regulates arousal, attention & consciousness
Hypothalamus
Regulates various essential bodily functions like hunger, thirst, body temp, & the sleep-wake cycle. Maintains homeostasis
Wernicke's area
Language comprehension & understanding spoken & written languages
Parietal lobe
Processes sensory information from the body, such as touch, temperature, & spatial awareness
Somatosensory cortex
In the parietal lobe, Processes sensations from the skin, muscles & joints
Cerebellum
Coordinates movement, balance, & posture
Pituitary gland
Regulates hormone production & secretion throughout the body
Pons
The brain stem regulates breathing, balance, & essential bodily functions