The Brain
The Brain
The brain is an organ that's made up of a large mass of nerve tissue that's protected within the skull. It plays a role in just about every major body system. It can be divided into three main sections: the forebrain, the midbrain and the hindbrain, each of which are divided into various parts.
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Hindbrain
The hindbrain, also known as the rhombencephalon, is a developmental categorization of portions of the central nervous system in vertebrates. It includes the medulla, pons, and cerebellum.
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Medulla Oblongata
Part of the myelencephalon. The medulla oblongata helps regulate breathing, heart and blood vessel function, digestion, sneezing, and swallowing.
Pons
Part of the metencephalon. The pons is a part of the brainstem that in humans is anterior and ventral to the medulla.
Cerebellum
Part of the metencephalon. It is responsible for balance, movement coordination and the sense of position in space (proprioception), which is crucial in motor control.
Anterior Lobe
The anterior lobe is responsible for controlling precise voluntary movements.
Posterior Lobe
The posterior lobe is responsible for fine tuning motor movements and posture.
Midbrain
A small central part of the brainstem. It is developing owing to the multiplication of cells in the neural tube.
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Tectum
The tectum is a region of the brain, specifically the dorsal (roof) part of the midbrain underneath the cerebral aqueduct.
Tegmentum
The tegmentum is the ventral part of the midbrain, and is responsible for motor functions, particularly functions that relate to the eyes and ears.
Midbrain Reticular Formation
The midbrain reticular formation and reticular activating system is involved in motor control, cardiovascular control and pain modulation.
Substantia Nigra
The substantia nigra is an important player in brain function, namely motor planning, reward seeking, learning, and addiction.
Forebrain
The forebrain, largest section of the brain, is responsible for a variety of functions including receiving and processing sensory information, thinking, perceiving, producing and understanding language, and controlling motor function.
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Hypothalamus \(Limbic System\) \(HPA Axis\)
Epithalamus
The epithalamus is a dorsal posterior segment of the diencephalon made up of the pineal gland and habenular nuclei.
Pineal Gland (Pineal Gland)
Part of the epithalamus. The pineal gland produces the hormone melatonin, which helps maintain circadian rhythm and regulate reproductive hormones.
Thalamus
The thalamus relays sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex.
Hypothalamus (Limbic System) (HPA Axis)
The hypothalamus is involved in functions including homeostasis, emotion, thirst, hunger, circadian rhythms, and control of the autonomic nervous system.
Anterior
The anterior part of the hypothalamus primarily controls body temperature.
Medial Area
The medial hypothalamic area is involved in controlling visceral responses to olfactory stimuli.