1. The Brain

2. The brain has 4 major regions
Cerebral hemispheres
Cerebellum
Diencephalon
Brain stem

3. –
Cerebrum
– largest, superior portion of the brain, divided into two hemispheres (right and left)

4. Cerebral lobes
Frontal lobe – higher intellectual reasoning, complex memories, language comprehension
Primary motor area – allows voluntary movement of skeletal muscles
Broca’s area – speech
Parietal lobe – numerical relationships, manipulation of objects
Somatic sensory area – interprets impulses from sensory receptors

5. Cerebral lobes Occipital lobe – interprets visual impulses from eyes
Temporal lobe – interprets auditory impulses (from the ears) and olfactory impulses (from the nose)
Corpus Callosum – large bundle of nerve fibers that connects the right and left hemispheres

6. Cerebellum
Two hemispheres, controls balance, equilibrium, and precise timing for skeletal muscle activity

7. Diencephalon
Sits on top of the brainstem and is enclosed by the cerebral hemispheres, and has three major regions.
Thalamus – relay station for sensory impulses from the sensory receptors to the brain, controls sleep and awake states of consciousness
Hypothalamus – autonomic nervous system (regulates body temperature, water balance, metabolism, thirst, appetite, pain, pleasure) and produces hormones to regulate these activities

8. Diencephalon
Epithalamus – furthest posterior portion, contains two important structures
Pineal body – converts nervous system signals into endocrine system signals, secretes melatonin
Choroid plexus – makes the cerebrospinal fluid

9. Brain stem Midbrain – reflex centers for vision and hearing
Pons – control of breathing
Medulla oblongata – motor control of the visceral organs