Hindbrain-
posterior part
of the brain.
Certain
structures
constitute the
brainstem.
Medulla- controls
vital reflexes
through the cranial
nerves.
Damage is fatal
Pons- contains nuclei
for several cranial
nerves. Known as a
bridge as the axons
from one side of the
brain crosses to the
other in the spinal
cord via the pons.
Cerebellum- a
large hindbrain
structure.
Contributes to
controlling of
movements.
Damage leads
to problems
shifting attention
between
auditory and
visual stimuli
Midbrain-
middle of the
brain. The roof
of this section
is known as
the tectum.
Superior/inferior
colliculus- swellings on
each side of the tectum.
Important for sensory
processing.
Superior-
visual
processing
Inferior-
sensory
processing
Tegmentum- under the
tectum and is the
intermediate level of the
midbrain. Includes the
nuclei for the third and
fourth cranial nerves.
Substantia nigra- gives
rise to a dopamine
containing pathway that
facilitates readiness for
movement.
Forebrain- most
prominent part of the brain
that consists of two
hemispheres that receive
information and control
muscles on the
contralateral side
Cerebral cortex- outer portion
which contains strucutres such
as the thalamus, basal ganglia
and the limbic system.
Limbic system- forms the
border around the brainstem.
Includes olfactory bulb,
hypothalamus, hippocampus,
amygdala, and cingulate
gyrus.
Hypothalamus-
conveys
messages to the
pituitary gland
altering it's release
of hormones.
Damage
leads to
abnormalities
in motivated
behaviours
Pituitary gland- endocrine
(hormone producing)
gland at the base of the
hypothalamus.
Hippocampus- stores
certain kinds of
memories (especially
individual memories)
Damage leads
to troubles
storing new
memories. Do
not lose previous
memories.
Thalamus- main
source of input to
the cerebral cortex.
Most sensory
information goes
first into the
thalamus where it is
processed and
sends cerebral
output.
Basal
ganglia-
group of
subcortical
structures
including the
caudate
nucles,
putamen and
globus
pallidus. Are
critical for
movement,
learning and
remembering.