Your brain is organised into three interconnected layers: the central core, the limbic system and cerebrum.
The Central Core is found in all vertebrates. Its five main regions help to regulate basic life processes.
The Medulla is the centre for breathing, waking, sleeping and the beating of the heart. The Pons triggers dreaming and waking from sleep. The Reticular Formation signals the Central Cortex to attend to new stimulation and remain alert even during sleep. The Thalamus begins the process of interpreting sensory information. it can determines whether we think something is bad or good, and then forwards this information to the appropriate area of the Central Cortex. The Cerebellum coordinates body movements, controls posture and maintains equilibrium.
The Limbic System exists only in mammals. Its regions meditate motivated behaviour, emotional states and memory processes.
The Hippocampus plays an important role in emotion, learning and memory. The Amygdala plays a role in aggression, eating, drinking and aggressive behaviour.
The Hypothalamus monitors blood glucose levels,salt, blood pressure and hormones. It has connections with the central and autonomous nervous system and endocrine system.
The Cerebral Cortex directs the brains higher cognitive and emotional functions. It is divided into two almost symmetrical halves, called the cerebral hemisphere. Each hemisphere contains four lobes – the frontal lobe, the parietal lobe, the occipital lobe and the temperal lobe.
The Frontal Lobe assists in motor control and cognitive activities, such as planning, making decisions and setting goals. Relating the present to the future through purposeful behaviour. The Parietal Lobe assists in sensory processes, attention and language comprehension. The Occipital Lobe processes visual information and passes on its conclusions. The Temporal Lobe assist in auditory perception, language comprehension and visual recognition
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