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)