The Brain Stem and Thalamus
angular gyrus
transforms visual representations into an auditory code
amygdala
-linked to emotion such as fear and aggression
hippocampus
-linked to memory
reticular formation
-nerve network that plays important role in controlling arousal -if this does not function we fall into a coma
pons
-neural network that forms bridge between medulla and cerebellum -relays messages between lower brain centers and cerebral cores
frontal lobe
-involved in speaking and muscle movements, making plans, and judgement -involved in impulse control and emotion
occipital lobe
-includes the visual areas which receive visual info from the opposite visual field
cerebellum
"little brain -attached to the rear of the brainstem -it helps coordinate voluntary movement and balance
association areas
-areas of the cerebral cortex not involved in primary motor or sensory functions -involved in higher mental functions such as learning, remembering, thinking and speaking
thalamus
-brain's sensory switch except smell -it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla
medulla
-controls heartbeat and breathing -base of the brainstem
Wernicke's Area
-controls language reception -interprets written and spoken speech
Broca's area
-controls speech muscles via the motor cortex
motor cortex
-creates the pronounced word -controls voluntary movement -the more precise the movement, the larger the area devoted to it
hypothalamus
-directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temp) -helps govern the endocrine system and pituitary gland -linked to emotion and reward
temporal lobe
-includes the auditory areas, each receiving info primarily from the opposite ear
parietal lobe
-includes the sensory cortex -receives sensory input for touch and body position
limbic system
-neural structures associated with emotions such as fear and aggression and drives for sex and food -includes hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus
sensory cortex
-registers and processes senses -more sensitive the body region, the larger the sensory cortex area devoted to it
brainstem
-responsible for automatic survival functions -oldest part and central core of the brain
cerebral cortex
-the body's ultimate control and information processing center
visual cortex
receives written words or visual stimulation