To get a closer, more detailed picture, with the functions, please click on the name of the piece (or icon) in the table below. After viewing a closer picture, click the button at the bottom of that page to return to the sea horse page (this page). When you are finished with all of the brain pieces in this table please go to the bottom of this page and click the button to return to the main brain tutorial page.

Pituitary Master Gland -- Secretes Hormones

Infundibular Stalk Connects pituitary to hypothalamus

Hypothalamus Regulates motivated behavior

Thalamus Receives sensory information from all senses except taste and smell, then organizes and routes the information to the appropriate cortical areas.

Massa Intermedia A commissure that connects both sides of the thalamus (the right and left complexes)

Spinal Cord Mediates spinal reflexes, receives sensory info. (afferent) -- transmits motor info. (efferent)

Medulla Controls vital functions -- (breathing, heart rate, and respiration)

Pons Controls paradoxical sleep

Inferior Colliculi Auditory startle reflex

Superior Colliculi Visual startle reflex

Optic Chaism Visual information crossover point

Fornix Aggresive behavior; limbic functions