The prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for planning, impulse control, and decision-making—doesn’t fully mature until around age 25. While a child’s brain grows rapidly in size during early childhood, the prefrontal cortex continues developing in complexity and function well into early adulthood.| Simply Psychology
Gyri (singular: gyrus) and sulci (singular: sulcus) are the raised and folded structures, respectively, on the cerebral cortex of the brain.| Simply Psychology
Broca's area is a small but vital region in the brain responsible for producing speech and processing language. Located in the left frontal lobe, it corresponds to Brodmann areas 44 and 45. Most people rely on this part of the brain to form words, construct sentences, and organize grammar. Without it, fluent communication becomes difficult.| Simply Psychology
The forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain are the three main brain divisions. The forebrain handles higher cognitive functions, the midbrain controls motor movement and sensory processing, and the hindbrain manages coordination, balance, and autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate.| Simply Psychology
The human brain is a complex organ, made up of several distinct parts, each responsible for different functions. The cerebrum, the largest part, is responsible for sensory interpretation, thought processing, and voluntary muscle activity. Beneath it is the cerebellum, which controls balance and coordination. The brainstem connects the brain to the spinal cord and oversees automatic processes like breathing and heart rate. The limbic system, containing structures like the hippocampus and amygd...| Simply Psychology
The brain's reward system is a network of structures responsible for pleasure, motivation, and reinforcement learning. Central to this system are the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) and the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc). When a rewarding stimulus is perceived, dopamine is released from the VTA, acting on the NAc, leading to feelings of pleasure. Dysfunctions in this pathway can underlie addiction and other behavioral disorders.| Simply Psychology
The Id, Ego, and Superego are components of Freud’s psychoanalytic theory. The Id represents our basic instincts and desires, seeking immediate gratification. The Ego, guided by reality, balances the Id’s impulses with social norms. The Superego is our moral conscience, pushing us to follow ethical standards. Together, they shape our behavior and personality.| Simply Psychology
