FUNCTIONS OF MAJOR PARTS OF BRAIN

FOREBRAIN :

Cerebral hemisphere 

1) Contains the cerebral cortex, which participates in perception, the generation of skilled movements, reasoning, learning and memory.

2) Contain subcortical nuclei, including those that participate in coordination of skeletal muscle activity.

3) Contain interconnecting fiber pathways.

Thalamus

1) Acts as a synaptic relay station for sensory pathways on their way to the cerebral cortex.

2) Participates in control of skeletal muscle coordination.

3) Plays a key role in awareness.

Hypothalamus

1) Regulates anterior pituitary gland function 

2) Regulates water balance.

3) Participates in regulation of autonomic nervous system.

4) Regulates eating and drinking behavior.

5) Regulates reproductive system.

6) Reinforces certain behavior.

7) Generates and regulates circadian rhythms.

8) Regulates body temperature.

9) Participates in generation of emotional behavior.

Limbic System

1) Participates in generation of emotions and emotional behavior.

2) Plays essential role in most kinds of learning.

CEREBRUM

a) Coordinates movements, including those for posture and balance.

b) Participate in some forms of learning.

BRAINSTEM

a) Contains all the fibers passing between the spinal cord, forebrain and cerebellum.

b) Contains the reticular formation and its various integrating centers, including those for cardiovascular and respiratory activity.

c) Contains nuclei for cranial nerves 3 through 12.