The three main structures of the brain are The cerebrum, The cerebellum, and the Brainstem These three main structures, and additional brain structures, are grouped in the following manner: Forebrain- Cerebrum (or telencephalon), limbic system, and diencephalon (which includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus, and subthalamus) Midbrain- Two cerebral peduncles, cerebral aqueduct, superior cerebellar peduncles, superior and inferior colliculi, and reticular formation; also called mesencephalon Hindbrain- Medulla oblongata (or myelencephalon), pons, and cerebellum ( both included in metencephalon)

The Cerebrum The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain. It is responsible for movement, body temperature, touch, vision, hearing, judgment, reasoning, problem solving, emotions, and learning. The cerebrum is further divided into four major elements: Cerebral cortex- outer cortex of gray matter White matter- underlying cerebral cortex Basal ganglia- masses of gray matter at the base of the cerebrum Lateral ventricles

Cerebral Cortex The cerebral cortex is the most highly evolved area of the brain. It controls perception, memory, and all higher cognitive functions, including the ability to concentrate, reason, and think in abstract form. It is characterized by fissures (deep grooves), gyri (bulges between grooves) sulci (furrows or smaller grooves). Many of the gyri and sulci on the brains surface have specific names, and various regions of the brain have specific functions, i.e. prefrontal cortex, primary taste area, primary visual area.

The cerebral cortex is divided into lobes with distinct borders formed by sulci. There are four lobes in both the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Lobes are named for the cranial bones that cover them. Frontal Parietal Temporal

White Matter White matter accounts for almost one half of the brain’s volume, and forms most of the deeper parts of the brain. It is made up of densely packed collections of the myelinated projections of neurons (nerve cells) that course between the widely dispersed areas of gray matter. The white matter areas of the brain are mainly composed of axons coated with myelin, while the gray matter areas are predominantly the cell bodies of the neurons.

Lateral Ventricles The lateral ventricles of the cerebrum are two of the total of four fluid-filled cavities found in the brain. They are the largest of the ventricles, and are the most superior portion of the brain’s ventricular system. One lateral ventricle is located in each of the brain’s two hemispheres.

Meninges The meninges are the three layers of fibrous coverings that protect the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. In the skull, they are found between the cranium and the brain, and include: Dura mater Arachnoid mater Pia mater