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
Pituitary Gland
Master endocrine gland
Controls the release of hormones
Cerebrum
Frontal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Occipital Lobe, and
Temporal Lobe
Frontal Lobe/Cortex
Making plans and judgments: higher level thinking
Parietal Lobe
Receives sensory input for touch and body position
Sensory Cortex
Registers and processes body touch and movement
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