The thinking organ. Our brain is one of the most important areas of the body , since it regulates the different vital functions that allow our survival. In addition, it allows us to be who we are.

Reason, emotion, motivation… all of these have their origin in the nervous system and especially in the brain. But this organ is not a homogeneous thing, it is structured in different areas. That is why in this article we are going to mention the different structures of the brain .

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What do we mean by brain?

We call the functional center of the nervous system , located at the top end of the neural tube, the brain . Located inside the skull and protected by it and the meninges against damage and external aggressions, it is the most important organ as it regulates and controls all the functions of the organism, allowing the life and survival of the human being. Moreover, thanks to it we are able to think, reflect, have feelings and emotions, identify with something or someone and, in general, even be aware of ourselves.

The brain itself is considered to be primarily made up of the cortex and subcortex, not the brain stem or cerebellum. Despite this, brain and encephalon are usually used as synonyms and generally when we speak of the brain we are referring to the whole of the encephalon.

Major brain structures

The brain is made up of a large number of structures, and the brain can be divided into different parts . During our development we can find three main areas of the brain, the posterior brain or rhomboid, the midbrain or midbrain and the anterior brain or prosenbrain (which is later divided into diencephalon and telencephalon), each one having different brain structures.

1. Rhombrain

Located in the lowest part of the brain, the rhombic brain is the part of the brain where the most primitive structures of the brain are located. It is the part of the brain that contacts the spinal cord and regulates the most basic vital functions.

In this division of the brain, we can observe two subdivisions, with different structures of the brain in each one of them. Next to the midbrain, is part of the also known as brain stem .

Spinal cord

This is one of the structures in the brain that are part of the rhomboid, derived from the myelinebrain. The spinal bulb is the connection point between the spinal cord and the brain , being a part of the brain essential for survival since it is in charge of managing processes such as heart rate, motor skills and digestion.

Protrusion or Varolio Bridge

The bulge is another of the most vital structures in the brain for mere survival, and can lead to death . It is in charge of the movement of the viscera, of homeostatic processes such as the maintenance of temperature and participates in the regulation of consciousness and breathing.

Cerebellum

This part of the brain is known to be involved in a large number of processes and functions in the body. It is especially recognized for its role in controlling muscle movement , and also participates in aspects such as emotional regulation or cognitive processes such as memory and intelligence.

2. Midbrain

The midbrain is the part of the brain between the proscenium and the rhombus. It joins both regions and allows communication between them, having also great importance for the control of vital processes. Like the rhombic brain, it is part of the brain stem. It contributes to the integration of information from different pathways and is linked to the level of consciousness. In this region we can basically find two structures of the brain.

Tectum

Located in the most dorsal part of the midbrain , this structure is linked to the reaction to sound stimuli and the reflex control of eye movements.

Tegmentum

Formed in turn by structures such as the substantia nigra, the red nucleus or the periaqueductal gray substance, this structure of the brain is involved in functions such as movement, pain management and fight or flight reactions.

3. Prosencephalon

It is the most developed part of the brain with the most structures, taking care of the higher mental functions . We can differentiate between two large areas, the diencephalon and the telencephalon.

3.1. Diencephalon

Located deep in the brain, the diencephalon is an internal part of the prosenceral brain that is mainly shaped by two large brain structures, thalamus and hypothalamus .

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Thalamus

This brain region is the main integration nucleus of the sensitive information , allowing to maintain a coordinated perception with respect to the external stimulation before being able to send it to other brain areas in which the information is processed. In addition, thanks to its connection with the limbic system, it allows perception and emotion to be linked.

Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is one of the structures of the brain linked to the regulation of different hormones that allow the management of the organism. Connected to the pituitary gland, it participates in a large number of processes coordinated together with the autonomic nervous system, such as wakefulness, sexual behaviour, hunger and thirst or affectivity. It is fundamental in the control of the body’s homeostasis.

3.2. Telencephalon

If we consider the brain as a part of the brain and not as a synonym of it, we would be the part of the brain equivalent to the telebrain. Inside it we can find different systems that are made up of different structures.

Cerebral Cortex

The most visible and recognisable part of the brain, the cerebral cortex, is the area of the brain in which the integration and processing of information is completed and thanks to which the most complex functions are carried out , allowing aspects such as reasoning, speech, executive functions or fine motor skills.

The cortex is divided into two brain hemispheres . In addition to this we can establish five differentiated lobes specialized in different functions, the frontal, occipital, temporal and parietal lobes, in addition to the insula.

Basal ganglia

A small group of structures in the brain that are located below the cortex , the basal ganglia are of great importance in controlling functions automatically. They are related to learning and automation of tasks, as well as to memory or movement. Putamen, globus pallidus and caudate nucleus are their main components.

Limbic system

The limbic system is a system of different brain structures which are responsible for the management of emotions , learning and memory. Some of its main components are the amygdala, the hippocampus, the hypothalamus or the mammillary bodies.