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