Our brain is complex and consists of a number of structures. We distinguish three layers: the neocortex, the mammalian brain and the reptile brain. The neocortex has the following brain structures: the visual cortex, the higher cortical areas and the prefrontal lobe. The mammalian brain consists of the thalamus, limbic system, amygdala, and hippocampus.
Layers in the brain
The brain can be divided into three evolutionarily developed layers; the neocortex, the mammalian brain and the reptilian brain.
Neocortex
The neocortex is the evolutionarily youngest layer of the brain. Compared to other mammals, this layer is the most developed in humans. The neocortex is mainly responsible for consciously processing information and enables us to reason rationally.
Mammalian brain
The mammalian brain is the evolutionarily older layer below the neocortex. The layer regulates many unconscious processes, such as our emotions, our personality and part of our memory.
Reptilian brain
The reptilian brain is the oldest layer in our brain. The reptilian brain is responsible for our primary survival instinct.
Neurons
The layers of our brain consist of billions of neurons (nerve cells) that form the building blocks of our brain. Each neuron connects to thousands of other neurons, forming neural networks. This structure allows the human brain to process an enormous amount of information.
Brain structures in the mammalian brain
Thalamus
The thalamus receives information from all senses and passes this information on.
Limbic system
Important structures within the limbic system are the hippocampus (memory) and the amygdala (emotions).
Hippocampus
Long-term memories are stored in the neocortex via the hypocampus, which can be seen as an information storage and retrieval mechanism.
Amygdala
The amygdala plays an important role in emotion and conditioning.
Brain structures in the neocortex
Visual cortex
This structure involves the processing of visual information.
Higher cortical areas
The higher cortical areas consist of structures responsible for human rational ability.
Prefrontal lobe
The prefrontal lobe, as part of the higher cortical areas, is involved in judgments, language production, motor functioning, sexual behavior, social behavior and choice processes.
Unconscious processing of information
The unconscious processing of information is mainly the task of the mammalian brain. The neocortex is mainly responsible for consciously processing information.