What are the differences between fore brain mid and hind brain?
Forebrain (Prosencephalon)
- Located at the anterior part of the brain, just behind the frontal bone of the skull.
- Composed of the cerebrum, which is responsible for higher cognitive functions such as learning, memory, emotions, and reasoning.
- Structures of the forebrain:
a) Cerebrum:
- Largest part of the forebrain and the entire brain.
- Divided into two hemispheres, left and right, connected by the corpus callosum, a thick bundle of nerve fibers.
- Governs higher mental functions, including consciousness, thought, and emotion.
- Involved in voluntary movement, perception, language, and reasoning.
b) Diencephalon:
- Located below the cerebrum and attached to the midbrain.
- Consists of the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus.
- Serves as a relay center for sensory information, controls sleep-wake cycles, and manages hormone regulation.
Midbrain (Mesencephalon)
- Connects the forebrain and hindbrain.
- Structures of the midbrain:
a) Corpora Quadrigemina (Colliculi):
- Consists of four rounded mounds on the dorsal side of the midbrain.
- Superior colliculi (visual) are involved in rapid eye movements and orienting visual attention.
- Inferior colliculi (auditory) are involved in spatial hearing, orienting to sound, and auditory reflexes.
b) Cerebral peduncles:
- Thick bands of nerve fibers that connect the cerebrum to the pons.
- Involved in motor control and relay of sensory information to higher brain centers.
c) Substantia Nigra:
- Contains pigmented neurons that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine.
- Involved in motor control and coordination, particularly in regulating voluntary movements.
Hindbrain (Rhombencephalon)
- Located at the posterior part of the brain, continuous with the spinal cord.
- Structures of the hindbrain:
a) Medulla Oblongata:
- Continuation of the spinal cord, connects to the pons superiorly.
- Controls basic life functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.
- Contains nuclei for several cranial nerves, including those controlling swallowing, salivation, and舌运动.
b) Pons:
- Bridge-like structure that connects the medulla to the midbrain.
- Houses nuclei for several cranial nerves, including those involved in facial movements, taste, and balance.
- Involved in regulating sleep, wakefulness, and respiration.
c) Cerebellum:
- Large, convoluted structure located at the posterior part of the hindbrain, covered by the cerebrum.
- Controls coordination, balance, and smooth muscle movements.
- Integrates sensory information from various sources and fine-tunes motor responses.
In summary, the forebrain is responsible for higher cognitive functions and voluntary movement, the midbrain connects the forebrain and hindbrain and controls basic motor functions, and the hindbrain regulates vital life functions and coordination of movement.