Major Structures of the Human Brain

Primary internal structures of the human brain shown in a midline sagittal view.

• Cerebrum: Controls voluntary movement, sensory perception, conscious thought, memory, and language.
• Hypothalamus: Regulates autonomic functions, body temperature, hunger, thirst, circadian rhythms, and hormone release.
• Medulla oblongata: Controls autonomic life-support functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and swallowing reflexes.
• Cerebellum: Coordinates voluntary muscle movements, posture, and balance.
• Spinal cord: Transmits neural signals between the brain and the rest of the body.