Subject:
Major Structures of the Brain
Structure Description Major Functions
Brainstem Stemlike portion of the brain, continuous
with diencephalon above and spinal cord
below. Composed of midbrain, pons,
medulla oblangata.
Relays messages between spinal cord and brain, from
brainstem cranial nerves to cerebrum. Helps control heart rate,
breathing rate, blood pressure. Involved with hearing, taste,
other senses.
Cerebellum Second largest part of the brain. Located
behind pons, in posterior section of cranial
cavity. Composed of cerebral cortex, two
lateral lobes, central flocculonodular lobes,
medial vermis, some deep nuclei.
Process center involved with coordination of muscular
movements, balance, precision, timing, body positions.
