External Structures and Function of the Human Brain

Cerebral Hemispheres STRUCTURE -Largest part of the brain -Large paired structures, divided into left and right hemispheres. -The top layer is called the cerebral cortex, the rest is referred to as the cerebrum. -The cerebrum is 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 Brain Stem FUNCTION -Relays signals between the brain and spinal cord

PONS STRUCTURE -Top region of the brain stem FUNCTION -Relays signals between cerebrum and cerebellum -Helps control breathing rate PONS

Medulla Oblongata STRUCTURE -Beneath the pons -Lower portion of the brainstem -Connects to the spinal cord FUNCTION -Relays signals between the brain and the spinal cord -Helps control blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate Medulla Oblongata

Lobes of the Brain

Frontal Lobe FUNCTION Conscious thought, behavior, emotion, planning, personality, organizing, problem solving. Most uniquely human of all the brain structures. Front of the brain 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 FUNCTION Integrations of sensory information from primary sensory areas , perception, arithmetic, spelling, manipulation of objects. Middle top of the brain.

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

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

Internal Structures and Function of the Human Brain

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

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

Hypothalamus LOCATION 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 LOCATION 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.