The Brain - overview Rostral
Hypothalamus
A neural structure lying below the thalamus; it directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temperature), helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion and reward.
Cerebrum
Area of the brain responsible for all voluntary activities of the body
Rostral
Toward the forehead or nose Ex: The forebrain is rostral to the brainstem
Major parts of the brain
cerebrum, cerebellum, diencephalon, brainstem
Diencephalon
thalamus and hypothalamus
Cerebellum
the "little brain" at the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input and coordinating movement output and balance
Thalamus
the brain's sensory switchboard, located on top of the brainstem; it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla
Brainstem
the oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; the brainstem is responsible for automatic survival functions
Caudal
toward the tail (cord)