Goals
- Know and describe the structure and roles of the brainstem
- Thalamus, Cerebellum, Pons, Medulla
- Know and describe the structure and roles of the limbic system
- Hypothalamus, Amygdala, Hippocampus
- Know and describe the structure and roles of the cerebral cortex
- Frontal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Temporal Lobe, Occipital Lobe
Evolution of the Brain
The inner parts of the brain are the oldest in the evolutionary tree. They control breathing, homeostasis, and basic emotions such as fear and aggression. The brain developed from inner to middle to back to top to front. The newer parts of the brain control more complex thoughts such as personality and decision making.
Brainstem
The oldest part of the brain. Handles unconscious thoughts--sleep/wake and breathing/heartbeat.
Thalamus
Relay station, coordinates signals with other parts of the brain.
Cerebellum - "little brain"
Coordinates smooth movement. Memory store of basic skills (sa. walking).
Pons
Bridges brainstem to other parts of the brain. Handles the sleep/wake cycle.
Medulla
Heart rate. Breathing.
Limbic System
Middle age. Handles homeostasis.
Hypothalamus
Four Fs. Fighting, fleeing, feeding, fucking. Controls the pituitary gland. Maintains homeostasis.
Amygdala
Fear, aggression, emotional response.
Hippocampus
Creation of memories.
Cerebral Cortex
The youngest part of the brain. Highly evolved, handles personality, emotion regulation. Not as developed in other animals.
The left side of the brain controls the right half of the body and vice versa.
Frontal Lobe
Emotional Regulation. Decision making. Personality. Awareness.
Parietal Lobe
Top of head. Relays touch/temp. Proprioception. Pain. Touch. Motor/sensory movements.
Temporal Lobe
Side of head, near temples. Production and comprehension of speech and auditory signals.
Occipital Lobe
Back of head. Visual cortex.