The cerebral cortex is the uneven outer surface of the brain, characterized by a distinctive pattern of raised bumps or folds (gyri) and depressions or grooves (sulci). It is associated with higher-level cognitive processes, including consciousness, thought, emotion, reasoning, language, and memory.

Cerebral Cortex

The brain is composed of two distinct halves, known as the left and right hemispheres. Each hemisphere is responsible for controlling the opposite side of the body.

Brain Hemispheres

Subcortical structures in the forebrain include;

- Thalamus
- Hypothalamus
- Pituitary gland
- Limbic system

Subcortical Structures in the Forebrain

Refers to the largest part of the brain. It contains:

- Cerebral cortex
- Subcortical structures including: 
     - Thalamus
     - Hypothalamus
     - Pituitary gland
     - Limbic system

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The brain is divided into three primary sections based on their relative size and position: the forebrain, the midbrain, and the hindbrain. The forebrain is the largest portion of the brain, while the midbrain is a smaller section located centrally. The hindbrain is situated in the lower back part of the brain.

Three Main Parts of the Brain

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Forebrain

The midbrain, positioned between the forebrain and hindbrain, houses several crucial structures deep within the brain. These include the reticular formation, which is important for regulating sleep and arousal, along with the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area (VTA), both of which are integral to movement, reward pathways, and addictive processes.

Midbrain

The hindbrain is the part of the brain located at the back of the head and looks like an continuation of the spinal cord. The hindbrain contains the medulla, pons, and cerebellum.

Hindbrain

The hindbrain houses the structures of the brainstem, which include the medulla, pons, and midbrain. These components govern automatic physiological functions such as blood pressure and breathing. Additionally, the hindbrain contains the cerebellum, a structure responsible for coordinating movement and assisting with specific types of memories.

A neuroscientist is examining a brain scan and focuses on a region that is centrally located, acting as a connection point between the largest, most forward section and the lower, posterior section. Based on this structural description, which of the three primary divisions of the brain is the focus of this study?

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