2
Region of the Brain
Location
Primary Function
Cerebrum
In humans, the cerebrum is the superior-most region of the central nervous system
Cerebellum
The cerebellum is located in the posterior fossa of the skull, dorsal to the pons and medulla from which it is separated by the Aqueduct of Sylvius and the fourth ventricle.
Brain stem
The brainstem (or brain stem) is the posterior part of the brain, adjoining and structurally continuous with the spinal cord.
Frontal lobe
They are positioned at the front most region of the cerebral cortex
Motor cortex
The primary motor cortex (Brodmann area 4) is a brain region that in humans is located in the posterior portion of the frontal lobe.
Parietal Lobe
•The parietal lobes are superior to the occipital lobes and posterior to the central sulcus (fissure) and frontal lobes.
Sensory cortex
The primary somatosensory area in the human cortex (also called primary somatic sensory cortex or SI) is located in the postcentral gyrus of the parietal lobe and makes up four distinct fields or regions known as Brodmann area 3a, 3b, 1, and 2.
Central sulcus
Occipital lobe
Temporal lobe
Midbrain
Pons
Medulla oblongata
Spinal cord
Conclusion
1 The gyri and sulci on the brain greatly increase the brain’s surface area. How do you think this increase in surface area relates to improved brain function?
2 Can you think of another organ in the human body that is shaped specifically to increase surface area? How does this organ’s structure relate to its function in the body? (Hint: Think about those few bites of pancakes you ate in the opening paragraph.)
3 From the names alone, what do you think are the specific functions of the motor cortex and the sensory cortex of the brain?
1. How do the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system work together to control the body?
2. A man slips, falls and bangs the back of his head on the tile floor. The doctor tells him he
Location
Primary Function
Cerebrum
In humans, the cerebrum is the superior-most region of the central nervous system
Cerebellum
The cerebellum is located in the posterior fossa of the skull, dorsal to the pons and medulla from which it is separated by the Aqueduct of Sylvius and the fourth ventricle.
Brain stem
The brainstem (or brain stem) is the posterior part of the brain, adjoining and structurally continuous with the spinal cord.
Frontal lobe
They are positioned at the front most region of the cerebral cortex
Motor cortex
The primary motor cortex (Brodmann area 4) is a brain region that in humans is located in the posterior portion of the frontal lobe.
Parietal Lobe
•The parietal lobes are superior to the occipital lobes and posterior to the central sulcus (fissure) and frontal lobes.
Sensory cortex
The primary somatosensory area in the human cortex (also called primary somatic sensory cortex or SI) is located in the postcentral gyrus of the parietal lobe and makes up four distinct fields or regions known as Brodmann area 3a, 3b, 1, and 2.
Central sulcus
Occipital lobe
Temporal lobe
Midbrain
Pons
Medulla oblongata
Spinal cord
Conclusion
1 The gyri and sulci on the brain greatly increase the brain’s surface area. How do you think this increase in surface area relates to improved brain function?
2 Can you think of another organ in the human body that is shaped specifically to increase surface area? How does this organ’s structure relate to its function in the body? (Hint: Think about those few bites of pancakes you ate in the opening paragraph.)
3 From the names alone, what do you think are the specific functions of the motor cortex and the sensory cortex of the brain?
1. How do the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system work together to control the body?
2. A man slips, falls and bangs the back of his head on the tile floor. The doctor tells him he