Major Brain Areas Flashcards
Medulla
Controls breathing, heartbeat, and other life vital functions. Damage to it can result in death
Location
lies directly above the spinal cord
Pons
helps coordinate movements on the left and right sides of the body
Location
above the medulla
Cerebellum
coordinates movement, balance, and posture
Location
bulging out behind the pons
Reitcular Formation
helps regulate attention and alertness
Location
at the core of the medulla and pons are these neurons
Substantia Nigra
involved in the motor control and contains a large concentration of dopamine- producing neurons
Location
in the midbrain
Cerebral Cortex
contains the most sophisticated brain centers
Location
outer portion of the forebrain
Temporal Lobe
primary receiving area for auditory information
Location
near the temples
Occipital Lobe
primary receiving area for visual information
Location
The very back of the brain
behind each cerebral hemisphere
Parietal Lobe
that processes somatic sensation such as pressure, touch, temperature
Location
an area on each hemisphere of the cerebral cortex
Frontal Lobe
process is voluntary muscle movements and is involved with thinking planning and emotional control
Location
largest lobe of the cerebral cortex
(front of brain)
Hippocampus
A curved for brain structure that is part of the limbic system and is involved in learning and forming new memories
Location
embedded in the temporal lobe in each cerebral hemisphere
Hypothalamus
A peanut sized for brain structure, part of the limbic system and regulates behaviors related to survival, eating, drinking and sexual activity
Location
below the thalamus
Thalamus
processes sensory information for all senses except smell and relays it to the cerebral cortex
Location
rounded mass of cell bodies in the cerebral hemisphere
Amygdala
involved in memory and emotion, especially fear and anger
Location
at the base of the Temporel lobe
