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Overview of Brain Structure and Functions

The cerebral cortex is the outermost layer of the brain composed of gray matter. The left hemisphere performs sequential analysis using language for tasks like logic and reasoning, while storing memory in a language format. The right hemisphere processes multiple senses simultaneously for a holistic view, using visual-spatial skills, and stores memory through senses like sound and sight. The corpus callosum allows communication between the two hemispheres. The frontal lobe controls cognition, memory, concentration, thought, judgment, personality and speech. The parietal lobe processes senses, the occipital lobe visual input, and the temporal lobe processes hearing, behavior, and memory retrieval. The limbic system controls smells, rhythms, and emotions. The basal ganglia aid

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Minette Emmanuel
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60 views4 pages

Overview of Brain Structure and Functions

The cerebral cortex is the outermost layer of the brain composed of gray matter. The left hemisphere performs sequential analysis using language for tasks like logic and reasoning, while storing memory in a language format. The right hemisphere processes multiple senses simultaneously for a holistic view, using visual-spatial skills, and stores memory through senses like sound and sight. The corpus callosum allows communication between the two hemispheres. The frontal lobe controls cognition, memory, concentration, thought, judgment, personality and speech. The parietal lobe processes senses, the occipital lobe visual input, and the temporal lobe processes hearing, behavior, and memory retrieval. The limbic system controls smells, rhythms, and emotions. The basal ganglia aid

Uploaded by

Minette Emmanuel
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Cerebral Cortex

The outermost layer of the cerebral hemisphere which is


composed of gray matter. Cortices are asymmetrical. Both
hemispheres are able to analyze sensory data, perform memory
functions, learn new information, form thoughts and make
decisions.

Left Hemisphere
Sequential Analysis: systematic, logical interpretation of
information. Interpretation and production of symbolic
information:language, mathematics, abstraction and reasoning.
Memory stored in a language format.

right hemisphere
Holistic Functioning: processing multi-sensory input
simultaneously to provide "holistic" picture of one's
environment. Visual spatial skills. Holistic functions such as
dancing and gymnastics are coordinated by the right
hemisphere. Memory is stored in auditory, visual and spatial
modalities.

Corpus Collosum
communication between the two hemispheres

Frontal Lobe
Cognition and memory. Prefrontal area: The ability to
concentrate and attend, elaboration of thought. The
"Gatekeeper"; (judgment, inhibition). Personality and emotional
traits. Motor Cortex (Brodman's): voluntary motor activity.
Premotor Cortex: storage of motor patterns and voluntary
activities. Language: motor speech

Parietal Lobe
processing of sensory input. Body orientation (proprioception)

Occipital Lobe
Primary visual reception and association

Temporal Lobe
Auditory reception and interpretation, expressed behavior,
receptive speech, information retrieval

Limbic System
olfactory path ways, biologic rhythms, hypothalamus
Basal Ganglia
Subcortical gray matter nuclei. Processing link between thalamus
and motor cortex. Initiation and direction of voluntary
movement. Balance (inhibitory), Postural reflexes. Automatic
movement

Amygdala
neural centers in the limbic system linked to emotion

hippocampus
a structure in the limbic system linked to memory

thalamus
relays messages between lower brain centers and cerebral cortex

hypothalamus
controls maintenance functions such as eating; helps govern
endocrine system; linked to emotion and reward

pituitary gland
master endocrine gland

Reticular formation
helps control arousal

medulla
controls heartbeat and breathing

spinal cord
pathway for neural fibers traveling to and from the brain;
controls simple relfexes

cerebellum
coordinates voluntary movement and balance

pons
relays information between the cerebrum and the cerebellum,
controls arousal and regulates respiration

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