Name the major structures of the brain. Describe each structure.

The major structures of the brain are the cerebrum, cerebellum, diencephalon, and the brainstem. The cerebrum governs all sensory and motor activity, sensory perception, emotions, consciousness, memory, and voluntary movements. The cerebellum plays an important role in the integration of sensory perception and motor output. The diencephalon refers to the thalamus and hypothalamus. The thalamus serves as a relay center for all sensory impulses, except the olfactory, being transmitted to the sensory areas of the cortex. The hypothalamus is a principal regulator of autonomic nervous activity that is associated with behavior and emotional expression. It contains neurosecretions that are important for the control of water balance, sugar and fat metabolism, regulation of body temperature, sleep-cycle control, appetite, and sexual arousal. The brainstem consists of three structures: the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata. These structures contain centers that, along with other important functions, process visual, auditory, and sensory data and relay information to and from the cerebrum.