Brain tissues

Abstract

The brain is organized into the cerebrum, brain stem, and cerebellum. The cerebrum consists of two cerebral hemispheres, basal ganglia, and the diencephalon. The hemispheres contain the cerebral cortex and underlying white matter, and are associated with higher order functioning, including memory, cognition, and fine motor control. The basal ganglia, contained within the hemispheres, controls gross motor function. The diencephalon is much smaller than the cerebrum, contains the thalamus and hypothalamus, and is associated with relaying sensory information and controlling the autonomic nervous system. The brainstem contains the mesencephalon, pons and the medulla oblangata. The smallest segment of the brain, the mesencephalon, is located below the diencephalon and is thought to play a role in consciousness. Muscle activation, tone and equilibrium is controlled in the pons and cerebellum located below the mesencephalon, and respiratory and cardiac processes are governed by the medulla oblongata, located directly beneath the pons.