The Brain: Parts and Functions

The relay station for information coming in from the body to the cerebral cortex:  pain sensation, attention, alertness, memory, and senses (except smell).

• thalamus
• hypothalamus
• pituitary gland
• brainstem

Lobe that interprets language, spatial and visual perception; contains the sensory strip where signals from the senses (body) come to be interpreted.

• frontal
• temporal
• parietal
• occipital

Controls automatic functions like breathing, heart rate, body temperature, wake and sleep cycles, etc.

• cerebrum
• cerebellum
• basal ganglia
• brainstem

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-3

Controls endocrine glands--> secretes hormones for sexual development, bone and muscle growth, respond to stress, and fight disease. Helps control hunger, thirst, sleep & body temperatures.

• pituitary gland
• pineal gland
• amygdala
• thalamus

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-3

Performs higher functions like interpreting touch, vision and hearing, reasoning, learning, emotions, etc.

• cerebrum
• cerebellum
• pituitary gland
• basal ganglia

Lobe that understands language, long-term memory, hearing, sequencing and organization.

• occipital
• temporal
• frontal
• parietal

Coordinates muscle movements, main posture, and balance.  Known for retaining skill memory.

• hypothalamus
• thalamus
• cerebellum
• cerebrum

Lobe that controls personality, behavior, emotions, judgement, planning, speech (Broca's area), body movement, intelligence, and self-awareness.

• frontal
• parietal
• temporal
• occipital

Coordinates fine bone and muscle voluntary movements: i.e. finger tips.

• amygdala
• hypothalamus
• pineal gland
• basal ganglia

Regulates body's internal clock and circadian rhythms by secreting melatonin; has a role in sexual development.

• pituitary gland
• pineal gland
• amygdala
• hypothalamus