The inside of the human brain consists of structures of the forebrain and brain stem. These include the thalamus, hypothalamus, midbrain, pons, medulla oblongata, corpus callosum, fornix, amygdala and hippocampus. Additionally, the interior of the brain has four cavities called ventricles that are filled with cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF.
Thalamus
The thalamus is a structure involved in the sensations of taste, smell, hearing, vision, touch, pain and temperature. It also plays a part in motor control, memory and emotion.
Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus is involved in regulating the secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland. It helps to regulate the onset of puberty, the menstrual cycle, lactation, growth and body temperature. It also regulates the functioning of the autonomic nervous system and how our bodies respond to stress. Additionally, the hypothalamus plays a role in memory, sleep cycles and emotion.
Midbrain
The midbrain consists of the tectum and tegmentum, which are separated from one another by the cerebral aquaduct. These structures regulate visual and auditory reflexes, as well as other aspects involved with seeing and hearing. It is also involved with fine motor control and the inhibition of unwanted movement.
Pons
The pons communicates with the cerebellum to coordinate the actions of desired movements. It also influences posture, sleep and respiration.
Medulla Oblongata
The medulla oblongata has influence over the somatic senses of hearing, touch and taste. It also houses motor neurons, including the seventh cranial nerve, which governs the muscles of the tongue.
Corpus Callosum
The corpus callosum looks like a white "C" in the middle of the brain. It is a bundle of myelinated axons that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres and acts as a conduit for communication between the two.
Fornix
The fornix is also a bundle of myelinated axons and it is found below the corpus callosum. It connects the hippocampus to the hypothalamus and is involved with the storage of memories.
Amygdala
The amygdala is section of tissue found in the temporal lobe. It is involved with regulating emotions, especially the ability to experience and express fear and aggression. It is also an important structure for recognizing emotional facial expressions.
Hippocampus
The hippocampus is a limbic brain structure involved in the memorization of facts and events. It is also involved with spatial memory, working memory and relational memory. Spatial memory refers to an objects location while working memory refers to information that is fresh and may be easily forgotten. Relational memory ties our experiences together into a single memory, such as the music playing in the background during a conversation with a friend.
Ventricles
The ventricles are cavities inside of the brain that hold CSF. This fluid, which is also found in the membranes surrounding the brain, serves to protect and nourish the brain's tissues.
References
- "Anatomy and Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function (5th Edition)"; Ken Saladin; 2010
- "Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain (3rd Edition)"; Mark Bear, Barry Connors and Michael Paradiso; 2007
