Description of Location Description of Function

Spinal Cord Goes down back from brain and Delivers messages to and from
stops at hips brain and body

Brain stem Begins where the spinal cord Responsible for automatic
swells slightly after entering the survival functions
skull

Medulla Slight swelling of the brain stem Controls heartbeat and

breathing

Pons Found above the medulla Serves as a communication

center between the two
hemispheres of the brain

Reticular formation Extends from the spinal cord up Filters incoming stimuli and
through the thalamus sends information to other parts
of the brain

Thalamus Sits on top of the brain stem Receives all information relating
to sense aside from smell and
relays it to the rest of the brain

Cerebellum Extends from the rear of the Enables nonverbal learning and
brain stem memory. Helps judge time,
modulate emotions, and
differentiate sounds and textures

Limbic system Located below the cerebral Associated with emotions and
hemispheres drives

Amygdala In the limbic system Linked to aggression and fear

Hippocampus In the limbic system Processes conscious memories

Hypothalamus Below the thalamus Influences hunger, thirst, body

temperature, and sexual
behaviors

Pituitary Gland Located below the Produces hormones as a part of

hypothalamus the endocrine system

Left hemisphere Left side of the brain Controls the right side of the
body and tasks related to logic

Right hemisphere Right side of the brain Controls the left side of the body
and tasks related to creativity
and the arts

Cerebral cortex Covering the cerebral Control center and information

hemispheres processing

Glial cells Amongst nerve cells Provide nutrients and insulation

for the nerve cells
 Description of Location Description of Function

Frontal lobes Behind the forehead Speaking and muscle

movements, plans and
judgments

Occipital lobes Back of the head Receives information from the

visual fields

Temporal lobes Roughly above the ears Processes auditory information

Motor cortex Behind the frontal lobes Controls voluntary movement

Somatosensory cortex At the front of the parietal lobe Registers and processes body
touch and movement sensations

Association areas Cerebral cortex Learning, remembering,

thinking, speaking (higher
mental functions)