Structure and Function of the Brain

The mental processes and behaviors studied by psychology are directly controlled by the brain, one of the most complex systems in nature.

The brain's lower-level structures consist of the brain stem, the spinal cord, and the cerebellum.

The cerebral cortex is the outermost layered structure of the brain and controls higher brain functions such as information processing.

The brain is divided into two hemispheres and four lobes, each of which specializes in a different function.

The limbic system combines higher mental functions and primitive emotion into one system.

Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to create new neural pathways to account for learning and acquisition of new experiences.