Anatomy and Functions of the

Brain

Columbia Intro Psych--Brain anatomy

Brain Stem: “Old Brain”

Primarily controls automatic functions

Medulla Oblongata, Pons, Reticular Formation

Medulla Oblongata

Controls heartbeat and breathing

Pons

ASSISTS IN THE COORDINATION OF MOVEMENT

Reticular Formation

Nerve network that plays an important role in arousal

Thalamus

Sensory switchboard that relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex

Cerebellum

Coordinating movement and balance: Sensory input, movement output

Limbic System

Amygdala, Hypothalamus, Pituitary Gland, Hippocampus

Amygdala

Aggression and fear— “fight or flight”

Hypothalamus

Maintenance system: eating, drinking, temperature. Helps govern the endocrine system

via the pituitary gland

Hippocampus

Memory--LTM

Pituitary Gland

Master endocrine gland

Controls the release of hormones

Corpus Collosum

Cerebrum

Frontal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Occipital Lobe, and

Temporal Lobe

Frontal Lobe/Cortex

Making plans and judgments: higher level thinking

Motor Cortex

Parietal Lobe

Receives sensory input for touch and body position

Sensory Cortex

Registers and processes body touch and movement

Occipital Lobe

Temporal Lobe

How might each of the following parts of the brain be active while we drive a car?Take notes on handout 3B-2 in your Bio packet