Brain Structures

• Cerebral Cortex


  the outer layer of the brain; higher-level thinking, perception, and decision-making
• Frontal Lobe


  higher level cognitive functions
• Prefrontal Cortex

  in the frontal lobe; higher level cognitive functions and executive functions (planning, self-control, decision-making)
• Motor Cortex

  in the frontal lobe; voluntary movements of the body
• Parietal Lobes

  at the top of the brain; processes sensory information from the body
• Somatosensory Cortex

  in the parietal lobe; processes sensations
• Occipital Lobes

  in the back of the brain; visual information
• Temporal Lobes

  on the sides of the brain; auditory information
• Corpus Callosum


  a thick band of nerve fibers connecting the hemispheres of the brain
• Brainstem

  The most primitive part of the brain; connects the brain to the spine; life-sustaining functions
• Medulla


  at the base of the brain stem; regulates essential autonomic functions
• Reticular Activating System

  a network of neurons; arousal, attention, consciousness
• Cerebellum

  in the back of the brain and under the hemispheres; coordinating movement, balance, and posture
• Limbic System

  beneath the cerebral cortex; emotions, memory, and motivation
• Thalamus

  processes and relays sensory information
• Hypothalamus

  below the thalamus; regulates essential bodily functions (think homeostasis)
• Pituitary Gland

  master gland; regulates hormone production and secretion
• Hippocampus

  in the temporal lobes; forming and consolidating long-term memory
• Amygdala

  in the temporal lobes; processing emotions, fear, and aggression