Brain Structures

By Adam Michalowsky

Cerebrum

The Cerebrum is that largest part of the human brain

It's divided into four different sections (lobes) They are called the frontal, parietal, occipital, and

temporal lobes Some of the functions of the Cerebrum are

reasoning, planning, movement, emotions, problem solving, recognition, perception, memory and speech

Frontal Lobe

The Frontal Lobe is involved in a wide array of processes, such as all of our emotions and our personality

When our frontal lobe is damaged, we are never the same

Our personalities can be completely changed, just by a simple lesion to the frontal lobe

Parietal Lobe

Out of all of the Parietal Lobe's functions, its main ones are sensory information retrieval, interpretation, and perception

Most of what we see is the way we see it because of the Parietal Lobe

Occipital Lobe

The Occipital Lobe is everything to do with vision

It interprets what we see, and translates it for us into something we understand

Without the Occipital Lobe, no matter how good our eyes are, we would be blind

Cerebellum

Like the cerebrum, it has hemispheres, however it only has two

One of the oldest parts of the brain Some functions are movement coordination,

posture, balance, and voluntary motor movements

Limbic System

Underneath the cerebrum, very old brain structure

Sometimes referred to as the “emotional brain” Contains the thalamus, hypothalamus,

amygdala, and hippocampus Controls our emotions, but mainly the ones we

use for survival, such as fear, anger, and all emotions relating to sexual behavior

Thalamus

The Thalamus, a part of the limbic system, processes and relays the sensory and movement information

It takes in sensory information, and then moves it along to the cerebral cortex

Amygdala

The Amygdala is the brain's defense system It is what causes us to feel fear and anxiety, and

makes us want to fight or flight The Amygdala is also known to affect some of

our other emotions

Hippocampus

The Hippocampus, a part of the limbic system, is a big center for memory, storing all of our long term memories

In addition to this, it plays a part in emotions, behavior, and smell

Brain Stem

Underneath the limbic system Similar structures are found in other species as

well Controls basic life functions, such as breathing,

heartbeat, and blood pressure Made of three different parts, the pons, the

medulla, and the midbrain