Parts of the Brain

Limbic System

Contains glands which help relay emotions. Many hormonal responses that the body generates are initiated in this area. The limbic system includes the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalmus, and thalmus.

Hypothalmus

Controls mood, thirst, hunger, and temperature. It also contains glands which control the hormonal processes throughout the body.

Temporal Lobe

Located in both cerebral hemispheres. A region of the cerebral cortex that controls visual and auditory memories. It includes areas that help some speech and hearing capabilities, behavioral elements, and language.

Parietal Lobe

Located in both cerebral hemispheres. Focuses on comprehension. Monitors visual functions, language, reading, tactile sensation, and sensory comprehension.

Pons

Portion of the metencephalon is located in the hindbrain, and links to the cerebellum to help with posture and movement. It interprets information that is used in sensory analysis or motor control. Also creates the level of consciousness necessary for sleep.

Wernicke's Area

Portion of the temporal lobe, formed around the auditory cortex. Little is known except that it helps the body formulate or understand speech.

Midbrain

Aka (mesencephalon). Made up of the tegmentum and tectum. These parts of the brain help regulate body movement, vision, and hearing.

Brain Stem

All basic life functions originate here, including heartbeat, blood pressure, and breathing. In humans, contains the medulla, midbrain, and pons. This is commonly referred to as the simplest part of the brain.

Medulla

An essential portion of the brain stem which maintains vital body functions such as the heart rate and breathing.

Broca's Area

Area of the brain that controls the facial neurons as well as the understanding of speech and language. Located in the triangular and opercular section of the inferior frontal gyrus.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of gray matter in the cerebrum associated with the higher brain functions, as voluntary movement, sensory perception, and learning.

Hippocampus

Used for learning memory, specifically converting temporary memories into permanent memories which can be stored within the brain. The hippocampus also helps people analyze and remember spatial relationships, allowing for accurate movements.

Thalamus

Located in the center of the brain. It helps to control the attention span, sensing pain and monitors input that moves in and out of the brain to keep track of the sensations the body is feeling.

Sensory Cortex

Located in the front portion parietal lobe, receives info relayed from the spinal cord regarding the position of various body parts and how they are moving. Also, using the sense of touch, it can relay info about any pain or pressure affecting different portions of the body.

Frontal Lobe

A region of the cerebral cortex that has specialized areas for movement, abstract thinking/creative thought, planning, memory, and judgement.

Amygdala

Helps the body to respond to emotions, memories, and fear. It is the large portion of the telencephalon, located within the temporal lobe which can be seen from the surface of the brain. The visible bulge known as the uncus.

Cerebrum

Largest part of brain, associated with higher order functioning including control of voluntary behaviour, e.g. Thinking, planning, perceiving, understanding language.

Cerebellum

Referred to as "the little brain," and is considered to be older than the cerebrum on the evolutionary scale. Controls essential body functions such as balance, posture, and coordination, allowing humans to move properly and maintain their structure.

Motor Cortex

Region of the cerebral cortex involved in planning, control, and execution of voluntary movements. located in the top middle portion of the brain.

Occipital Lobe

Region of the cerebral cortex that helps to control vision.