Human Growth and Development

Damage to brain lobes during critical development periods can have lasting effects. For example, frontal lobe injury in early childhood may disrupt executive functions, affecting school and social skills. Early identification and intervention are crucial for supporting development. Parts of the Brain

The brain is composed of several parts with complex functions. The oldest parts of the brain are the brainstem, cerebellum, reticular formation, and thalamus . These control the basic functions of a person’s body. The parts that control your emotions and motivations are the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland . The cerebral cortex consists of four lobes: the frontal, occipital, temporal, and parietal lobes.

Structure

Description

Brainstem

Located at the brain's base and top of the spine, it controls vital processes like breathing, heart rate, and digestion automatically.

Cerebellum

Located behind the brainstem, it assists in memory and coordination during activities like walking.

Reticular Formation

Extending from the spinal cord through the brainstem and thalamus, it filters stimuli and sends key signals to the brain, active during arousal, meals, and sleep.

Thalamus

Attached to the brainstem, it receives sensory information and sends it to other parts of the brain.

Amygdala

Central to processing emotions like fear and anger, and also involved in rewards and pleasurable experiences.

Hippocampus

Responsible for processing and storing long-term memory.

Hypothalamus

Regulates hunger, sex drive, thirst, and body temperature.

Pituitary Gland

Controls the release of hormones in the body.

The Nervous System The body's complex communication network is called the nervous system and it is composed of specialized cells called neurons . These neurons transmit information, enabling perception, movement, and responses to external stimuli.

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