Older Brain Structures

Older Brain Structures

The Brainstem & Thalamus

The medulla is at the top of the spinal column. It controls life-sustaining functions such as breathing and

swallowing. The nerves from each side of the body also cross over in this structure to opposite sides.

The pons is above the medulla and acts as a bridge between the lower part of the brain and the upper part. It influences sleep, dreaming, arousal, and coordination of movement on

the left and right sides of the body.

The combination of the Medulla and the Pons make up what is called the Brainstem.

The reticular formation runs through the medulla and the pons and controls our general level of attention and arousal.

The thalamus sits atop the brainstem and is the sensory control center. It receives information from all the senses

(except smell) and routes it to the higher brain regions.

Thalamus: like a massive intersection

Older Brain Structures

The Cerebellum

The “little brain” at the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input and coordinating movement output and balance, enabling nonverbal learning and memory.

Sometimes these structures are referred to as the Hindbrain.

The Limbic System

Doughnut-shaped neural system located below the cerebral hemispheres

– Hippocampus– Amygdala– Hypothalamus

Associated with emotions and drives.

Curved structure located within each temporal lobe

Responsible for the formation of long-term memories and the storage of memory for location of objects.

The Limbic SystemThe Hippocampus

Two lima bean-sized neural clusters in the limbic system

Linked to emotion− Fear− Aggression

The Limbic SystemThe Amygdala

Stimulate the amygdala in one spot, a cat will engage in fight-or-flight activity.

Stimulate in a different spot, it will be afraid of just about anything.

Amygdala Video

The Limbic SystemThe Amygdala

Located below (hypo) the thalamus.

Directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temperature).

Helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland.

The Limbic SystemThe Hypothalamus

Linked to emotion and reward.

Remembering the Limbic System

Hippo

HAT

campus

ypothalamusmygdalahalamus