The brain has four major divisions: 1) brainstem, including the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain; 2) cerebellum; 3) cerebrum; and 4) diencephalon. The diencephalon is further divided into the thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus, and ventral thalamus or subthalamus.
| Brain Area |
General Functions |
| Brainstem |
|
| Medulla oblongata |
Relays messages between spinal cord and brain and to cerebrum; center for control and regulation of cardiac, respiratory, and digestive activities |
| Pons |
Relays information from medulla and other areas of the brain; controls certain respiratory functions |
| Midbrain |
Involved with the processing of visual information, including visual reflexes, movement of eyes, focusing of lens and dilation of pupils |
| Cerebellum |
Processing center involved with coordination of movements, balance and equilibrium, posture; processes sensory information used by motor systems |
| Cerebrum |
Center for conscious thought processes and intellectual functions, memory, sensory perception, and emotions |
| Diencephalon |
|
| Thalamus |
Relay and processing center for sensory information |
| Hypothalamus |
Regulates body temperature, water balance, sleep-wake cycles, appetite, emotions, and hormone production |
