List of regions in the human brain

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The human brain is divided into distinct areas, each of which serves a specialized purpose.

Basic structures of the brain highlighted.png

Here are some of the most important regions of the human brain:

The cerebrum is the largest and most intricate portion of the brain. It is separated into the left and right hemispheres. Movement, sensation, memory, and emotion are among the higher functions controlled by the cerebrum.

EmbryonicBrain.svg

List of major regions of the brain[edit | edit source]

  • Cerebellum: This structure is positioned in the rear of the brain and regulates coordination, balance, and movement.
  • Brainstem: This connects the brain to the spinal cord and is responsible for fundamental activities such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
  • The hypothalamus: Hypothalamus is positioned near the base of the brain and is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and regulating appetite, thirst, and body temperature.
  • Thalamus: This structure is located close to the center of the brain and relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex.
  • Limbic system: Located in the centre of the brain, the limbic system is a collection of structures important for emotional regulation, memory, and behavior.
  • Frontal lobe: Located at the front of the brain, the frontal lobe is responsible for activities such as reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
  • Parietal lobe The parietal lobe is important for interpreting sensory input, such as touch and movement, and is located in the brain's upper and posterior regions.
  • Temporal lobe: This is positioned on the side of the brain and is important for processing auditory information, memory, and language.
  • Occipital lobe: Located near the back of the brain, the occipital lobe is responsible for processing visual information.
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The human brain consists of three major regions: the hindbrain, the midbrain, and the forebrain.

3 Major regions[edit | edit source]

  1. The medulla, pons, and cerebellum comprise the hindbrain, sometimes known as the rhombencephalon. At the base of the brainstem, the medulla oblongata governs crucial activities such as breathing and heart rate. The pons is responsible for movement and facial expression coordination. The cerebellum, positioned near the base of the brainstem, controls coordination and equilibrium.
  2. The tectum, corpora quadrigeminata, and tegmentum make up the midbrain, often known as the mesencephalon. The tectum, which is positioned near the top of the midbrain, processes visual and aural information. Located near the back of the midbrain, the corpora quadrigemina contains the inferior and superior colliculi, which are involved in visual reflexes and eye orientation. The tegmentum controls critical functions like sleep, arousal, and movement.
  3. Diencephalon and telencephalon are the two major parts of the forebrain, commonly known as the prosencephalon. The diencephalon consists of the thalamus, which relays sensory information, and the hypothalamus, which regulates numerous important activities including appetite, thirst, and body temperature. The telencephalon contains the cerebral hemispheres, which are in charge of higher cognitive skills such as memory, language, and decision making.

Prosencephalon[edit | edit source]

Other names:Forebrain (prosencephalon) (prosencephalon)

In vertebrates, the forebrain or prosencephalon is the most anterior and biggest region of the developing brain. The diencephalon and telencephalon are included.

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Diencephalon[edit | edit source]

At the base of the forebrain, the diencephalon contains the thalamus, hypothalamus, and pineal gland. The thalamus serves as a relay station for sensory information and regulates consciousness, sleep, and focus. The hypothalamus governs homeostasis and controls the pituitary gland's hormone secretion. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

Telencephalon[edit | edit source]

The telencephalon is the most anterior portion of the forebrain and contains the cerebral hemispheres, which are responsible for higher-level cognitive activities including as memory, emotion, and decision-making. The telencephalon also contains the basal ganglia, which are involved in motor control and cognitive processes, and the hippocampus, which is crucial for spatial navigation and memory.

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

It is essential to remember that the brain is a complex organ, with many functions resulting from the collaboration and integration of diverse regions. There are other regions and subregions, but these are the primary regions of the human brain.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Nolte, J. (2009). The human brain: an introduction to its functional anatomy. Elsevier Health Sciences.
  2. Kandel, E. R., Schwartz, J. H., & Jessell, T. M. (2000). Principles of neural science. McGraw-Hill.
  3. Bear, M. F., Connors, B. W., & Paradiso, M. A. (2016). Neuroscience: exploring the brain. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Related topics[edit | edit source]





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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD