Psychology 9-1 GCSE

1.1.1 - Understand early brain development, including the development of:

a) Forebrain -

Also called the proencephalon, the forebrain is the largest part of the brain. It is divided into two cerebral hemispheres connected by the corpus callosum (white matter). The surfaces of the hemispheres are made up of grey matter called the cerebral cortex. Your cortex has roles in perception, memory and all higher thought processes. Both hemispheres are split into 4 lobes (frontal, perietal, occipital, temporal). In the brain region there are three structures; thalamus, hypothalamus and pituary. 

• Thalamus is for organizing sensory information. 
• Hypothalamus is in charge of your endocrine system which transports hormones. 
• It also controls thermal regulation (your internal temperature). 
• Pituitary also helps control the endocrine system

b) Midbrain -

The midbrain serves as a vital connection point between the forebrain and the hindbrain. It serves an important function in motor movements, particularly movements of the eyes and in the auditory and visual processing. It is located within the brainstem and between the forebrain and hindbrain. Compared to these regions it is reasonably small.

c) Hindbrain - 

The hindbrain is formed by the pons, medulla oblongata (also known as the medulla) and the cerebellum. Together these three subjects govern our autonomic or 'automatic' body systems. Controlling everything from our heart, our breathing, sleep patterns, bladder functions, sense of equilibrium and motor control.

d) Cerebellum -

The cerebellum is the part of the hindbrain that receives information from the sensory systems, the spinal cord and other parts of the brain and then regulates motor movements. It coordinates voluntary movements such as posture, balance, coordination and speech.

e) Medulla -

The medulla oblongata is a section of the brain located in the brainstem which is responsible for automatic functions like breathing, blood pressure, circulation and heart functions, and digestion. It is also the area responsible for many reflexes like swallowing, vomiting, coughing, and sneezing. The medulla oblongata also helps transfer information from the body to different areas of the brain.