1. Forebrain or Prosencephalon:
* Comprises the cerebral hemispheres (cerebrum) and the basal ganglia.
* Responsible for higher cognitive functions such as thinking, memory, language, and voluntary movement.
* Major structures:
* Cerebral cortex: Responsible for complex information processing, decision-making, and sensory perception.
* Limbic system: Involved in emotion, behavior, motivation, and memory formation.
2. Midbrain or Mesencephalon:
* Connects the forebrain to the hindbrain.
* Acts as a relay center for visual and auditory information.
* Major structures:
* Superior colliculus: Coordinates eye movements and spatial orientation.
* Inferior colliculus: Processes auditory information.
* Substantia nigra: Plays a crucial role in motor control, particularly in movement initiation.
3. Hindbrain or Rhombencephalon:
* Consists of the medulla oblongata, pons, and cerebellum.
* Controls essential bodily functions such as heartbeat, breathing, sleep-wake cycles, and balance.
* Major structures:
* Medulla oblongata: Contains vital reflex centers for respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure.
* Pons: Connects the brain to the cerebellum; involved in relaying sensory and motor information.
* Cerebellum: Controls coordination, balance, and smooth muscle movements.