External Structures and Function of the Human Brain

Cerebral Hemispheres STRUCTURE -Largest part -Paired divided into left and right hemispheres. -Divided up into 4 main lobes. FUNCTION -Carries out higher thought processes involved with language, learning, memory, and voluntary body movements Cerebral Hemispheres

Cerebellum STRUCTURE -Means “little brain” -Smaller structure under the base at the back of the brain FUNCTION -Responsible for balance and coordination Cerebellum

Brain Stem STRUCTURE -Extends from the base of the brain -Continues into the spinal cord, made up of the pons and medulla oblongata FUNCTION -Relays signals between the brain and spinal cord - Helps control blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate Brain Stem

Lobes of the Brain

Frontal Lobe STRUCTURE Most uniquely human of all the brain structures. Front of the brain. FUNCTION Conscious thought, behavior, emotion, planning, personality, organizing, problem solving. Frontal

Prefrontal Cortex! (PFC) This brain region has been implicated in planning complex cognitive behavior, personality expression, decision making, and moderating social behavior.

Parietal Lobe STRUCTURE Middle top of the brain. FUNCTION Integrations of sensory information from primary sensory areas , perception, arithmetic, spelling, manipulation of objects.

Temporal Lobe STRUCTURE Temple region. FUNCTION Senses of smell and sound, as well as processing of complex stimuli like faces and scenes, memory, understanding language.

Occipital Lobe STRUCTURE Extreme back of the brain FUNCTION Sense of sight Occipital Lobe

Internal Structures and Function of the Human Brain

Corpus Callosum STRUCTURE Beneath the cerebrum. About 10 cm long. Largest white matter structure. FUNCTION Allows for communication between the two cerebral hemispheres.

Thalamus STRUCTURE Beneath the Corpus Callosum, near the center of the brain. FUNCTION Acts as a gateway/relay of sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus STRUCTURE Near the base of the cerebrum, below the thalamus. FUNCTION Connects the nervous system to the endocrine system. Communicates and directs the pituitary gland.

Pituitary Gland STRUCTURE A protrusion off of the hypothalamus. FUNCTION Part of the endocrine system. Responsible for regulation of other parts of the endocrine system as well as many of the body’s processes.

Hippocampus STRUCTURE In the temporal lobe, part of the limbic system FUNCTION Plays a role in the formation of new memories based upon experiences. Moves short term memories to long term memories.

Amygdala STRUCTURE In the temporal lobe, part of the limbic system FUNCTION Primary role in processing memory, storage of memories associated with emotions, and decision making