the forebrain

• the thalamus is a extensive nerve networks that send signals allaround the structures of the brain including the cerebral cortex
• The thalamus is involved insensory and motor signal relay andthe regulation of consciousnessand sleep
• the thalamus plays a role in controlling motor systems of the brain which are responsible for voluntary bodily movement and coordination
• HYPOTHALAMUSProduces many of the body’s essentialhormones that help control different cells andorgan
• he hormones from thehypothalamus governphysiologic functions e.g.temperature regulation, thirst,hunger, sleep, mood, sexdrive, and the release of otherhormones within the body
• the pituray glands monitors several hormones important for growth and physiological functions and behaviour
• HPA axis (hypothalamic –pituitary – adrenal axis) is part of thephysiological stress response (akathe ‘fight or flight’ response)
• the basal gland is a group of nuceli on the side and top of the thalamus and is important for learning skills and habits e.g.regulating movement, for instance, releasing apre-planned action at the right time
• the limbic system has serval areas linked to emotional processing including the hippocampus amygdala fornix and mamilary bodies the oflactory bulb and cingulate cortex
• Hippocampus: Central for learning and for spatial navigationand memory
• Amygdala: Emotional processing (particularly fear conditioning)
• Fornix and mammillary bodies: Memory
• The olfactory bulb: Processing of odours
• Cingulate cortex: detection of conflict, anticipation of rewardand emotions