Brain: Parts & functions (Fore, mid & hind) | Control & Coordination | Biology | Khan Academy

Khan Academy India - English・2 minutes read

The brain is divided into three main parts: forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain, each responsible for different functions such as voluntary and involuntary actions, thinking, memory, emotions, and regulating bodily functions. The medulla oblongata controls essential processes like heart rate and breathing, the cerebellum maintains balance and motor memory, and the midbrain is involved in controlling some involuntary functions.

Insights

  • The brain is divided into three main parts: forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain, each responsible for distinct functions, with the forebrain handling voluntary actions and the midbrain and hindbrain managing involuntary processes.
  • Within the forebrain, components like the cerebrum, thalamus, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland work together to govern critical functions such as thinking, sensing, memory, emotions, and regulating bodily needs like hunger and sleep, showcasing the complexity and diversity of tasks managed by this region.

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Recent questions

  • What are the main parts of the brain?

    Forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain.

  • What does the forebrain control?

    Voluntary functions, thinking, memory, emotions.

  • What is the role of the midbrain?

    Connects forebrain to spinal cord, controls some involuntary functions.

  • What functions does the hindbrain control?

    Balance, motor memory, essential involuntary processes.

  • What are the main components of the forebrain?

    Cerebrum, thalamus, hypothalamus, pituitary gland.

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Summary

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Brain Divided: Functions of Forebrain, Midbrain, Hindbrain

  • The brain can be divided into three main parts: forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.
  • The forebrain is responsible for voluntary functions, while the midbrain and hindbrain handle involuntary functions.
  • The forebrain consists of the cerebrum, thalamus, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland.
  • Functions of the forebrain include thinking, sensing, memory, emotions, and regulating bodily functions like hunger and sleep.
  • The midbrain is the beginning part of the brain stem, connecting the forebrain to the spinal cord.
  • The hindbrain includes the pons, medulla oblongata, and cerebellum.
  • The medulla oblongata controls essential involuntary processes like heart rate and breathing, along with some reflexes.
  • The cerebellum maintains balance and motor memory, enabling automatic actions like riding a bicycle or typing.
  • The midbrain also plays a role in controlling some involuntary functions, such as pupil size in response to light.
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