Hindbrain
The hindbrain is the posterior portion of the brainstem, located just above the spinal cord. It consists of pons, cerebellum and medulla (also called the medulla oblongata). Collectively, the three regions of the hindbrain coordinates all the functions like breathing, sleep and wake up cycle, heartbeat, motor learning necessary for sustaining life. The three regions of the brain are explained below in detail as follows:
Pons
Pons is located above the medulla oblongata and below the midbrain. It consists of fibre tracts that interconnect different regions of the brain. It serves as a relay station, transmitting signals between the cerebrum in the forebrain and the cerebellum in the hindbrain. The functions performed by the pons are as follows:
- Regulates the body temperature and breathing.
- It helps control muscles involved in facial expressions, chewing, and even the sensation of taste.
- Takes part in the synthesis of various hormones.
- Regulates the sense of taste and smell.
- Controls the mood and emotions.
- Participates in pain perception and modulation.
Medulla Oblongata
It is lowermost part of the brain stem which is located above the spinal cord and is connected to the pons. Medulla oblongata is the connection between brainstem and the spinal cord. The medulla oblongata control respiration, cardiovascular reflexes and gastric secretions. The various functions of the medulla oblongata are :
- Regulates heart rate and blood pressure.
- Controls breathing rhythm and depth.
- Coordinates reflexes like swallowing and vomiting.
- Manages vital autonomic functions.
- Facilitates the crossover of motor nerve fibers.
Cerebellum
Cerebellum is located at the back of the brain, behind the brainstem. It has very convoluted surface, that is, its cortical surface displays closely spaced parallel grooves provide the additional space for many more neurons like Purkinje cells and granule cells. It plays an important role in various motor and non-motor functions. Following are the cerebellum functions:
- The cerebellum helps coordinate voluntary muscle movements, ensuring they are smooth and precise.
- It plays an important role in balance control and motor movement regulation.
- It helps detect and correct errors in movement to improve accuracy.
- It assists in the precise timing of muscle contractions needed for coordinated movements
- It coordinates and regulates eye movement.
Brain Anatomy: Structure, Parts, and Function
The Human Brain is a complex organ and is also known as the central processing unit of the body. It is enclosed inside the bony covering called the cranium (or skull). The brain consists of the cerebrum, responsible for higher cognitive functions; the cerebellum, involved in coordination and balance; and the brainstem, which regulates basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate. The human brain regulates thoughts, emotions, movements, and controls thoughts, memory, and speech, arm and leg movements.
Table of Content
- What is Human Brain?
- Brain Diagram
- Where is the Brain located?
- Brain Structure
- Lobes of Brain
- Parts of the Brain
- Forebrain
- Midbrain
- Hindbrain
- Conclusion – Brain Anatomy
- FAQs – Brain Anatomy
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