2.  Is protected by the skull and three tough membranes known as meninges  The spaces between the brain and the skull are filled with cerebrospinal fluid, which acts as a shock absorber.  A concussion occurs if the brain is severely shaken and bumps against the skull.

3.  Is a gas guzzler - it comprises 2% of the total body weight, yet uses 25% of the oxygen taken in by the body.

4.  Cerebrum - largest part of the brain (2/3), which sets humans apart from other animals.  It is divided into left and right hemispheres  The outer layer is called the cerebral cortex and is made of gray matter; the inner layer is white matter  The cerebral cortex carries out sensory functions, as well as memory, learning and thought

5. (top view)

6. Cerebrum

8.  Cerebellum - found at the back of the brain  It is also divided into left and right hemispheres with gray matter on the outside and white matter inside.  It controls all voluntary movements and plays a major role in balance and coordination

9. Cerebrum Cerebellum

11.  Medulla Oblongata - found at the base of the brain, below the cerebellum  It is made mainly of nerve fibers that connect the spinal cord to other parts of the brain.  It controls many involuntary actions such as breathing, heartbeat, blood flow, and coughing.

12. Cerebrum Cerebellum Medulla Oblongata

13.  Corpus Callosum - found in the center of the cerebrum  It is a bundle of nerve fibers in the inner white matter.  It makes a bridge-like connection between the two hemispheres of the cerebrum so that information can pass between the two halves.

14. Cerebrum Cerebellum Medulla Oblongata Corpus Callosum

15. (bottom view)

16.  Pons - found just above the medulla oblongata  It serves as a relay system, connecting the spinal cord, medulla oblongata, cerebellum and cerebrum

17. Cerebrum Cerebellum Medulla Oblongata Corpus Callosum Pons

18.  Hypothalamus - found in the center of the cerebrum  It controls body temperature, thirst and hunger, sleep, and emotions.  It is associated with maintaining homeostasis.  It also plays a role in the functioning of the endocrine system.

19. Maintaining Homeostasis

20. Cerebrum Cerebellum Medulla Oblongata Corpus Callosum Pons Hypo- thalamus

22.  Pituitary Gland - found below the hypothalamus.  It is referred to as the master gland because it controls all the other endocrine glands.

23. Cerebrum Cerebellum Medulla Oblongata Corpus Callosum Pons Hypo- thalamus Pituitary Gland