{"id":182,"date":"2023-02-17T22:37:14","date_gmt":"2023-02-17T22:37:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/chapter\/reading-parts-of-the-brain\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T21:21:28","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T21:21:28","slug":"reading-parts-of-the-brain","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/chapter\/reading-parts-of-the-brain\/","title":{"raw":"The Brain: Learn It 1\u2014The Forebrain","rendered":"The Brain: Learn It 1\u2014The Forebrain"},"content":{"raw":"<section data-depth=\"1\">\r\n<section class=\"textbox learningGoals\">\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>Identify the location and function of the lobes of the brain<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Describe the functions of the midbrain and hindbrain<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Describe the function of the parts of the limbic system<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<h2 id=\"the-central-nervous-system-looking-at-the-brain-as-a-whole\">The Central Nervous System: Looking at the Brain as a Whole<\/h2>\r\n<p>The brain is the largest single part of the central nervous system. It is here that most of your sensing, perception, thinking, awareness, emotions, and planning take place.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"727\" data-end=\"899\">Even though the brain makes up only about <strong data-start=\"769\" data-end=\"795\">2% of your body weight<\/strong>, it uses nearly <strong data-start=\"812\" data-end=\"852\">20% of your body\u2019s oxygen and energy<\/strong>\u2014a reflection of how constantly active it is.<\/p>\r\n<section class=\"textbox connectIt\">\r\n<h2>Sections of the Brain<\/h2>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_6674\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"388\"]<a href=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/855\/2016\/10\/28162724\/4f26a2da7a65c79c6a45dd14b1957a84752b3c2c.jpeg\"><img class=\" wp-image-6674\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/855\/2016\/10\/28162724\/4f26a2da7a65c79c6a45dd14b1957a84752b3c2c-300x219.jpeg\" alt=\"An illustration shows the position and size of the forebrain (the largest portion), midbrain (a small central portion), and hindbrain (a portion in the lower back part of the brain).\" width=\"388\" height=\"283\" \/><\/a> <strong>Figure 1<\/strong>. The brain and its parts can be divided into three main categories: the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.[\/caption]\r\n\r\n<p data-start=\"935\" data-end=\"1081\">Scientists often organize the brain into major parts based on location and function. One common approach divides it into <strong data-start=\"1056\" data-end=\"1078\">three main regions<\/strong>:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li data-start=\"1085\" data-end=\"1166\"><strong data-start=\"1085\" data-end=\"1098\">Forebrain<\/strong> \u2013 responsible for complex thought, emotion, memory, and reasoning<\/li>\r\n\t<li data-start=\"1085\" data-end=\"1166\"><strong data-start=\"1169\" data-end=\"1181\">Midbrain<\/strong> \u2013 involved in movement, sensory processing, and reflexes<\/li>\r\n\t<li data-start=\"1243\" data-end=\"1327\"><strong data-start=\"1243\" data-end=\"1256\">Hindbrain<\/strong> \u2013 controls vital functions like breathing, balance, and coordination<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"1329\" data-end=\"1419\">Another useful way to describe the brain\u2019s structure is to look at its major components:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li data-start=\"1422\" data-end=\"1524\">The <strong data-start=\"1426\" data-end=\"1456\">cerebrum (cerebral cortex)<\/strong> \u2013 the largest part, responsible for higher thought and perception<\/li>\r\n\t<li data-start=\"1527\" data-end=\"1582\">The <strong data-start=\"1531\" data-end=\"1545\">cerebellum\u00a0<\/strong>(at the back) \u2013 coordinates movement and balance<\/li>\r\n\t<li data-start=\"1585\" data-end=\"1680\">The <strong data-start=\"1589\" data-end=\"1603\">brain stem<\/strong> (even further back)\u2013 connects the brain to the spinal cord and regulates basic life functions<\/li>\r\n\t<li data-start=\"1683\" data-end=\"1773\">The <strong data-start=\"1687\" data-end=\"1704\">limbic system\u00a0<\/strong>(an area that is less regionally defined in the center of the brain)\u00a0\u2013 a network involved in <strong data-start=\"1729\" data-end=\"1771\">emotion, motivation, memory, and smell<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2044\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"525\"]<img class=\"wp-image-2044 \" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5837\/2022\/09\/11125828\/brainview.jpeg\" alt=\"A model shows a cross section of the human brain with areas labeled - cerebral cortex, limbic system, cerebellum, and brain stem\" width=\"525\" height=\"353\" \/> <strong>Figure 2<\/strong>. General areas of the brain [Image: Biology Corner, https:\/\/goo.gl\/wKxUgg, CC-BY-NC-SA 2.0, https:\/\/goo.gl\/Toc0ZF, labels added][\/caption]\r\nWe'll start by looking at the big part\u2014the forebrain.<\/section>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<h2>Forebrain Structures<\/h2>\r\n<section class=\"textbox keyTakeaway\">\r\n<h3>the forebrain<\/h3>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"246\"]<img class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/902\/2015\/02\/23224555\/CNX_Psych_03_04_Cortexn.jpg\" alt=\"An illustration of the brain\u2019s exterior surface shows the ridges and depressions, and the deep fissure that runs through the center.\" width=\"246\" height=\"167\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\" \/> <strong>Figure 3<\/strong>. The surface of the brain is covered with gyri and sulci. A deep sulcus is called a fissure, such as the longitudinal fissure that divides the brain into left and right hemispheres. (credit: modification of work by Bruce Blaus)[\/caption]\r\n\r\n<p>The <strong>forebrain<\/strong> is the largest part of the brain. The forebrain contains the cerebral cortex and a number of other structures that lie beneath the cortex (called subcortical structures). This is the largest part of the brain you might typically think of if asked to picture the brain.<\/p>\r\n<p><br \/>\r\nThe <strong>cerebral cortex\u00a0<\/strong>(also called the cerebrum) is the \u201cnewest,\u201d most advanced portion of the brain associated with higher-level processes such as consciousness, thought, emotion, reasoning, language, and memory.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>The surface of the brain is\u00a0characterized by a distinctive pattern of folds or bumps, known as <strong>gyri<\/strong> (singular: gyrus), and grooves, known as <strong>sulci<\/strong> (singular: sulcus). The most prominent sulcus, known as the longitudinal fissure, is the deep groove that separates the brain into two halves or hemispheres: the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>These two hemispheres are connected to one another by a thick bundle of axons called the <strong>corpus callosum<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<section data-depth=\"1\"><\/section>\r\n<section data-depth=\"1\">There are instances in which people\u2014either because of a genetic abnormality or as the result of surgery\u2014have had their corpus callosum severed so that the two halves of the brain cannot easily communicate with one another. The rare\u00a0split-brain\u00a0patients offer helpful insights into how the brain works.<\/section>\r\n<section data-depth=\"1\"><\/section>\r\n<section data-depth=\"1\">For example, we now understand that the brain is\u00a0<strong>contralateral<\/strong>, or opposite-sided. This means that the left side of the brain is responsible for controlling a number of sensory and motor functions of the right side of the body, and vice versa.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<section data-depth=\"1\">Each cerebral hemisphere can be subdivided into four lobes, each associated with different functions.<\/section>","rendered":"<section data-depth=\"1\">\n<section class=\"textbox learningGoals\">\n<ul>\n<li>Identify the location and function of the lobes of the brain<\/li>\n<li>Describe the functions of the midbrain and hindbrain<\/li>\n<li>Describe the function of the parts of the limbic system<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<h2 id=\"the-central-nervous-system-looking-at-the-brain-as-a-whole\">The Central Nervous System: Looking at the Brain as a Whole<\/h2>\n<p>The brain is the largest single part of the central nervous system. It is here that most of your sensing, perception, thinking, awareness, emotions, and planning take place.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"727\" data-end=\"899\">Even though the brain makes up only about <strong data-start=\"769\" data-end=\"795\">2% of your body weight<\/strong>, it uses nearly <strong data-start=\"812\" data-end=\"852\">20% of your body\u2019s oxygen and energy<\/strong>\u2014a reflection of how constantly active it is.<\/p>\n<section class=\"textbox connectIt\">\n<h2>Sections of the Brain<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6674\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6674\" style=\"width: 388px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/855\/2016\/10\/28162724\/4f26a2da7a65c79c6a45dd14b1957a84752b3c2c.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6674\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/855\/2016\/10\/28162724\/4f26a2da7a65c79c6a45dd14b1957a84752b3c2c-300x219.jpeg\" alt=\"An illustration shows the position and size of the forebrain (the largest portion), midbrain (a small central portion), and hindbrain (a portion in the lower back part of the brain).\" width=\"388\" height=\"283\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6674\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Figure 1<\/strong>. The brain and its parts can be divided into three main categories: the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-start=\"935\" data-end=\"1081\">Scientists often organize the brain into major parts based on location and function. One common approach divides it into <strong data-start=\"1056\" data-end=\"1078\">three main regions<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1085\" data-end=\"1166\"><strong data-start=\"1085\" data-end=\"1098\">Forebrain<\/strong> \u2013 responsible for complex thought, emotion, memory, and reasoning<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1085\" data-end=\"1166\"><strong data-start=\"1169\" data-end=\"1181\">Midbrain<\/strong> \u2013 involved in movement, sensory processing, and reflexes<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1243\" data-end=\"1327\"><strong data-start=\"1243\" data-end=\"1256\">Hindbrain<\/strong> \u2013 controls vital functions like breathing, balance, and coordination<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1329\" data-end=\"1419\">Another useful way to describe the brain\u2019s structure is to look at its major components:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1422\" data-end=\"1524\">The <strong data-start=\"1426\" data-end=\"1456\">cerebrum (cerebral cortex)<\/strong> \u2013 the largest part, responsible for higher thought and perception<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1527\" data-end=\"1582\">The <strong data-start=\"1531\" data-end=\"1545\">cerebellum\u00a0<\/strong>(at the back) \u2013 coordinates movement and balance<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1585\" data-end=\"1680\">The <strong data-start=\"1589\" data-end=\"1603\">brain stem<\/strong> (even further back)\u2013 connects the brain to the spinal cord and regulates basic life functions<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1683\" data-end=\"1773\">The <strong data-start=\"1687\" data-end=\"1704\">limbic system\u00a0<\/strong>(an area that is less regionally defined in the center of the brain)\u00a0\u2013 a network involved in <strong data-start=\"1729\" data-end=\"1771\">emotion, motivation, memory, and smell<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2044\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2044\" style=\"width: 525px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2044\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5837\/2022\/09\/11125828\/brainview.jpeg\" alt=\"A model shows a cross section of the human brain with areas labeled - cerebral cortex, limbic system, cerebellum, and brain stem\" width=\"525\" height=\"353\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2044\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Figure 2<\/strong>. General areas of the brain [Image: Biology Corner, https:\/\/goo.gl\/wKxUgg, CC-BY-NC-SA 2.0, https:\/\/goo.gl\/Toc0ZF, labels added]<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>We&#8217;ll start by looking at the big part\u2014the forebrain.<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<h2>Forebrain Structures<\/h2>\n<section class=\"textbox keyTakeaway\">\n<h3>the forebrain<\/h3>\n<figure style=\"width: 246px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/902\/2015\/02\/23224555\/CNX_Psych_03_04_Cortexn.jpg\" alt=\"An illustration of the brain\u2019s exterior surface shows the ridges and depressions, and the deep fissure that runs through the center.\" width=\"246\" height=\"167\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Figure 3<\/strong>. The surface of the brain is covered with gyri and sulci. A deep sulcus is called a fissure, such as the longitudinal fissure that divides the brain into left and right hemispheres. (credit: modification of work by Bruce Blaus)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The <strong>forebrain<\/strong> is the largest part of the brain. The forebrain contains the cerebral cortex and a number of other structures that lie beneath the cortex (called subcortical structures). This is the largest part of the brain you might typically think of if asked to picture the brain.<\/p>\n<p>\nThe <strong>cerebral cortex\u00a0<\/strong>(also called the cerebrum) is the \u201cnewest,\u201d most advanced portion of the brain associated with higher-level processes such as consciousness, thought, emotion, reasoning, language, and memory.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The surface of the brain is\u00a0characterized by a distinctive pattern of folds or bumps, known as <strong>gyri<\/strong> (singular: gyrus), and grooves, known as <strong>sulci<\/strong> (singular: sulcus). The most prominent sulcus, known as the longitudinal fissure, is the deep groove that separates the brain into two halves or hemispheres: the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>These two hemispheres are connected to one another by a thick bundle of axons called the <strong>corpus callosum<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section data-depth=\"1\"><\/section>\n<section data-depth=\"1\">There are instances in which people\u2014either because of a genetic abnormality or as the result of surgery\u2014have had their corpus callosum severed so that the two halves of the brain cannot easily communicate with one another. The rare\u00a0split-brain\u00a0patients offer helpful insights into how the brain works.<\/section>\n<section data-depth=\"1\"><\/section>\n<section data-depth=\"1\">For example, we now understand that the brain is\u00a0<strong>contralateral<\/strong>, or opposite-sided. This means that the left side of the brain is responsible for controlling a number of sensory and motor functions of the right side of the body, and vice versa.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section data-depth=\"1\">Each cerebral hemisphere can be subdivided into four lobes, each associated with different functions.<\/section>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"menu_order":10,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"The Brain and Spinal Cord\",\"author\":\"OpenStax College\",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/openstax.org\/books\/psychology-2e\/pages\/3-4-the-brain-and-spinal-cord\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"Download for free at https:\/\/openstax.org\/books\/psychology-2e\/pages\/1-introduction.\"},{\"type\":\"copyrighted_video\",\"description\":\"Phineas Gage (LEGO Stop-Motion Music Video)\",\"author\":\"Brad Wray\",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_nikOxNfjqs\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"other\",\"license_terms\":\"Standard YouTube License\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"The Brain\",\"author\":\"Robert Biswas-Diener\",\"organization\":\"Portland State University\",\"url\":\"http:\/\/nobaproject.com\/modules\/the-brain-and-nervous-system\",\"project\":\"The Noba Project\",\"license\":\"cc-by-nc-sa\",\"license_terms\":\"\"}]","pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"part":210,"module-header":"learn_it","content_attributions":[{"type":"cc","description":"The Brain and Spinal Cord","author":"OpenStax College","organization":"","url":"https:\/\/openstax.org\/books\/psychology-2e\/pages\/3-4-the-brain-and-spinal-cord","project":"","license":"cc-by","license_terms":"Download for free at https:\/\/openstax.org\/books\/psychology-2e\/pages\/1-introduction."},{"type":"copyrighted_video","description":"Phineas Gage (LEGO Stop-Motion Music Video)","author":"Brad Wray","organization":"","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_nikOxNfjqs","project":"","license":"other","license_terms":"Standard YouTube License"},{"type":"cc","description":"The Brain","author":"Robert Biswas-Diener","organization":"Portland State University","url":"http:\/\/nobaproject.com\/modules\/the-brain-and-nervous-system","project":"The Noba Project","license":"cc-by-nc-sa","license_terms":""}],"internal_book_links":[],"video_content":null,"cc_video_embed_content":{"cc_scripts":"","media_targets":[]},"try_it_collection":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/182"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/182\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7083,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/182\/revisions\/7083"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/210"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/182\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=182"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=182"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=182"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=182"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}