Neuroscience - Brain Anatomy & Neurotransmitters

The four main functional lobes of the cerebrum:

Located posterior to the brainstem, the cerebellum coordinates voluntary muscle movements, posture, balance, and motor learning (procedural memory). It fine-tunes motor execution rather than initiating movement.

Consists of three major structures:
1. Midbrain: Auditory/visual reflexes and dopamine production (Substantia Nigra, VTA).
2. Pons: Relays signals between the cortex and cerebellum; regulates sleep, respiration, and facial sensation.
3. Medulla Oblongata: Controls autonomic physiological functions including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and vomiting.

A ring of brain structures involved in emotion, motivation, learning, and memory. Key components include:

A critical homeostatic center that regulates autonomic functions, body temperature, circadian rhythms (via the suprachiasmatic nucleus), hunger, thirst, and neuroendocrine output via the anterior and posterior pituitary glands.

A group of subcortical nuclei (caudate, putamen, globus pallidus, substantia nigra, subthalamic nucleus) that regulate voluntary movement initiation, motor suppression, and habit formation. Degeneration of dopaminergic input here causes Parkinson's disease.

Acts as the gateway/relay station for almost all sensory pathways (visual, auditory, somatosensory, gustatory) projecting to the cerebral cortex. Olfaction (smell) is the notable exception that bypasses direct initial thalamic relay.

A diffuse network of brainstem nuclei projecting to the thalamus and cerebral cortex that regulates arousal, consciousness, and sleep-wake transitions. Severe damage to the RAS results in coma.