Parts of the Brain and Its Functions

Parts Functions
BRAINSTEM  Connects the spinal cord to the
remainder of the brain.
 It contains several nuclei involved in vital
body functions, such as the control of
heart rate, blood pressure, and
breathing.
 It consists of the medulla oblongata,
pons and midbrain.
Medulla Oblongata  Most inferior portion of the brain stem
and is continuous with the spinal cord.
 It extends from the level of the foramen
magnum to the pons.
 It contains ascending and descending
nerve tracts which convey signals to and
from other regions of the brain.
 It contains discrete nuclei with specific
functions such as regulation of heart rate
and blood vessel diameter, breathing,
swallowing, vomiting, coughing, sneezing,
balance and coordination.
Pons  It contains ascending and descending
nerve tracts, as well as several nuclei.
 Some of the nuclei in the pons relay
information between the cerebrum and
the cerebellum.
 Some of its functions are for breathing,
swallowing, and balance which is
controlled in the lower pons, as well as in
the medulla oblongata.
 Other nuclei in pons control functions
such as chewing and salivation.
Midbrain  The dorsal part of the midbrain consists
of four mounds called the colliculi.
 Two inferior colliculi are major relay
centers for the auditory nerve pathways
in the CNS.
 Two superior colliculi are involved in
visual reflexes and receive touch and
auditory input.
 It also contains black nuclear mass called
the substantia nigra which is part of the
basal nuclei and is involved in regulating
general body movements.
 The rest of the midbrain consists largely
of ascending tracts from the spinal cord
to the cerebrum and descending tracts
 from the cerebrum to the spinal cord or
cerebellum.
Reticular Formation  Plays important regulatory functions.
 Involved in regulating cyclical motor
functions such as respiration, walking,
and chewing.
CEREBELLUM  It is attached to the brainstem by several
large connections called cerebellar
peduncles.
 These connections provide routes for
communication between the cerebellum
and other parts of CNS.
DIENCEPHALON  It is the part of the brain between the
brainstem and the cerebrum.
 Its main components are the thalamus,
epithalamus, and hypothalamus.
Thalamus  It consists of a cluster of nuclei and is
shaped somewhat like a yo-yo, with two
large lateral parts.
 Within the thalamus, ascending neurons
synapse with thalamic neurons, which in
turn send their axons to the cerebral
cortex.
 It also influences mood and registers an
unlocalized, uncomfortable perception of
pain.
Epithalamus  It consists of a few small nuclei which are
involved in the emotional and visceral
response to odors, and the pineal gland.
Hypothalamus  It contains several small nuclei that are
very important in maintaining
homeostasis.
 It plays a central role in the control of
body temperature, hunger and thirst.
 Sensations such as sexual please, rage,
fear and relaxation after a meal are
related to hypothalamic functions.
CEREBRUM  It is the largest part of the brain.
 It is divided into left and right
hemispheres by a longitudinal fissure.
 Two hemispheres are divided into lobes:
frontal, parietal, occipital and temporal.