Hindbrain. Psychology

Medulla

• Very bottom of the brain and at the top of the spinal cord
• Controls life-sustaining functions like breathing and swallowing
• Left-right nerves begin crossover here

Pons

• Above the medulla, bridges upper and lower parts of the brain
• Influences sleep, dreaming, arousal and left-right coordination

Reticular Formation

• Runs through the medulla and the pons
• Controls level of attention and arousal

Cerebellum

• At the base and back of the brain
• Coordinates fine, rapid motor movement, learned reflexes, posture and muscle tone;
• May also have some cognitive and emotional functions