Brain Anatomy

The brain divides into hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, each handling a different layer of function from raw life support up to higher cognition.

• Hindbrain: basic life support, balance, relay
• Midbrain: relay and basic processing (includes the reticular formation)
• Forebrain: most higher cognition

Hindbrain structures:

• Medulla: vital automatic functions like breathing, heart rate, blood pressure; connects spinal cord to higher areas
• Pons: relays information between brain regions
• Cerebellum: balance, coordination, posture, smooth movement, motor learning

Important subcortical structures:

• Thalamus: relay / switching station for sensory information
• Hypothalamus: hunger, thirst, temperature, sexual arousal, basic emotion
• Hippocampus: learning and memory
• Amygdala: emotion, aggression, emotional aspects of memory

Sitting on top of all of that is the Cerebral Cortex with its four lobes.