Evolution Timeline

Parts of the Human Brain

This chart shows the major parts of the human brain with reference to Paul MacLean's triune
brain theory

Brain Stem controls important Neural Chassis

automatic functions such
as heart rate and breathing

Pons is involved in the transitions

between being awake,
being asleep, and
dreaming

Cerebellum controls movements that

have been learned and no
longer require our direct
attention such as keeping
one's balance while
walking, riding a bike, or
playing the piano.

Midbrain is involved primarily in

facial and eye movements

According to the triune brain theory developed by the influential neuroscientist Paul MacLean, the human
forebrain contains three separate "drivers" that control the neural chassis, each of which represents a major
stage in our evolutionary development

Basal Ganglia is involved in initiating and "Reptilian" Brain

controlling voluntary
movements and relflex
actions
According to MacLean,
the oldest part of the
forebrain (which we
share with reptiles)
controls our instincts,
territorial behaviours and
rituals
Thalamus is the main relay station for "Old Mammalian"
transferring information
from the inner parts of the
Brain
brain to the outer parts (Limbic System)

The next part of the

Hypothalamu controls the release of
adrenaline as well as our
s appetite, sleep patterns
and sex drive
forebrain (which we
share with early
mammals) is thought to
be the main seat of our
emotions and to play a
major role in behaviours
relating to reproduction
and parenting

Pituitary releases hormones that

control our growth, blood
Gland pressure, and metabolism

Hippocampus takes items from our short-

term memory and indexes
them into long-term
memory

Amygdala involved in producing and

regulating our emotions,
especially fear
Frontal Lobes are the seat of human
consciousness; they are
the CEO of the brain,
performing rational
functions such as
imagining the future and
using logic to solve
problems; they also include
Broca's area (on the left
front lobal), which is an
important region for speech
production, allowing us to
turn thoughts into words
Parietal are involved in the senses
of taste, smell, and feel
Lobes
Occipital process images from the
eyes
Lobes
"New
Mammalian"
Brain
(Neocortex)
The most recent part of
the brain to evolve
(which we share with
advanced mammals) is
the seat of higher
functions such as
abstract thought and
sensory perception.
The LEFT side of the
brain is more involved in
language and analytical
thought whereas the
RIGHT side is more
involved in intuition,
emotions and creativity.
The two sides are
connected by the
Corpus Callosum

Temporal process information from

the ears and are involved
Lobes in memory formation and
retrieval