Summary Parts Of The Brain: Structure & Functions

Parts Of The Brain: Structure &
Functions
 Outside Brain  3 membranes surrounding = meninges 
inflammation of these = meningitis
 Inside Brain  4 ventricles (spaces) filled with cerebrospinal fluid
 supply neurones of brain with oxygen & nutrients e.g. glucose

Region of Brain Contains Function
Forebrain Cerebrum  Controls body’s voluntary BEHAVIOUR
 Learning
 Reasoning
 Personality
 Memory
Thalamus  Important relay centre, sending & receiving
info to & from cerebral cortex
Hypothalamus Regulating body …
- Temperature
- Blood solute conc
- Thirst
- Hunger
- Sleep
 Main controlling region of ANS
 Link between brain & endocrine systems
via pituitary gland (/link between nervous
& endocrine regulation)
Midbrain Nerve fibres Link forebrain to hindbrain
Hindbrain Medulla oblongata Controls …
- Heart rate
- Ventilation
- Blood pressure
 Contains many important centres of the
ANS
Cerebellum  Maintenance of posture
 Co-ordination of voluntary MUSCULAR
activity e.g. writing
Limbic system Hypothalamus & Thalamus & o Emotion
Hippocampus o Learning
o Memory
Hippocampus o Interacts with other areas of cortex
 Learning
 Reasoning
 Personality
 Consolidates memories into permanent
store