The “big portion of the brain” that the narrator highlights first is the __ 1 __. This area is responsible for higher mental functions. Notice that there are visible folds (“bumps and grooves”) on...

The “big portion of the brain” that the narrator highlights first is the __1__. This area is responsible for higher mental functions.

Notice that there are visible folds (“bumps and grooves”) on this structure.  Each elevated bump is called a __2_ while each shallow groove is called a __3_.

Located at the “back of the brain” is the __4_____.  In the longitudinal cut you are looking at, you’ll notice that it has an internal, tree-like pattern called
arbor vitae.  This part of the brain coordinates equilibrium and motor activity to produce smooth, controlled movements.

The brain stem connects the brain to the spinal cord.  It kind of looks like a tail coming out the back.  It includes three parts including the posterior-most _5__, the bulb-like _6__ and anterior-most _7__.  This region of the brain contains centers for breathing and heart rate.  It also serves as a relay station for nerve impulses traveling between the brain and the spinal cord.

As our narrator moves forward/anterior we can see some of the deep structures of the brain.

An area called the diencephalon includes the thalamus, which serves as an integrating center for sensory input.  Immediately below it, is the _8__ which is critically important for helping u