Memorize the parts of the brain once and for all! Here’s a mnemonic device to help you remember the parts of the brain. You will never forget the anatomy of the brain after you see this video. Improve your grade on your next biopsychology test and learn more about mnemonics at the same time. If you’re looking for psychology mnemonics, this is it.
Mnemonic Devices Used in this Episode
- Cerebral Cortex: imagine a Texas cowboy hat on top of a brain. The cortex is the outer layer of the brain just under the hat where complex thinking occurs.
- Corpus Callosum: The corpus callosum is the fibers that connect the two halves of the brain. Thus, it adds the two parts together. Think of the corPLUS CalloSUM. Since the corpus callosum coordinates communication between the two hemispheres, think of corpus Call Someone.
- Thalamus: the thalamus takes sensations that come from the body and directs them to the appropriate part of the brain for processing. Thus, think of Hal and Amos – two traffic cops in the brain who direct these sensations to the right route.
- Hypothalamus: the hypothalamus regulates a number of things in the body such as body temperature, thirst, hunger, and sex drive. Think of “hypo the llamas”. Your llamas are hot, sweaty and thirsty and you use a hypo to spray water on them to cool them down and give them some water.
- Hippocampus: the hippocampus is the seat of memory. Think of a hippo with a compass. The hippo uses the compass to find his way back to the swamp because he can’t remember where it is.
- Amygdala: the amygdala controls your sense of fear. Think of either a MIG coming right at you and, of course, making you afraid, or picture a scary wig with dollars in it
- Pons: the pons helps you relax and sleep. Think of a relaxing pond.
- Cerebellum: the cerebellum helps in coordination and balance. Picture your favorite athlete with bells all over his/her body (hanging from his/her clothes, hands, feet, etc.).
- Reticular Formation: the reticular formation helps you to become alert and aroused when you need to be. Think of what would happen if you were napping and someone tickled you: your reticular formation would kick into gear to wake you up.
- Medulla: the medulla regulates the autonomic activity of your heart and lungs. Picture medals over your heart and lungs, or stick those medals into a heart.
I created a PDF which contains mnemonic devices for 24 additional parts of the brain. It also includes flashcards for all 34 images, plus 6 acronyms and 5 concept maps. If you’re taking a test on the bio-psych chapter this PDF is for you. Click on the image below to learn more.
If you liked the “Tickle Me Freud” doll you saw in the episode (I got it for my wife as a present), you can get it at Amazon. Click on Freud:
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you subscribe to my podcast in iTunes!
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im nervous .
Nervous? About what? Maybe I can help.
Michael
Thank you, it was the first episode I watched and it was pure fun (and learning!), going to subscribe to your podcast for sure. I’ll probably remember those words forever. Especially, perhaps, the Hypothalamus… because of all the llamas
Thanks so much! Glad you liked the episode. I know – the llamas was the craziest one of them all. Crazy, but hopefully memorable.
Michael
This is really helpful! On top of that he is extremely funny! Great way to remember parts of the brain:]
My favorite one was the Tickle Me Freud. lol
your a great teacher…i memorized this easily usually i have a hard time studying things like this
Thanks so much. Michael
Thanks so much for this. I have a anatomy test on the parts of the brain next week and this episode really made it easy for me to memorize the parts! Love your podcasts, keep up the good work!
I wish I found this earlier!!! I have my psychology midterm tommorow on the brain and all that fun stuff:P! I watched this episode and I have those words memorized, but before this video it took me like a month; to attempt memorizing the brain!! Thank you SOOOOO MUCH! I really appreciate it! Good Luck to u in the future!
Nancy,
Thanks so much for your comment! Made my day. Good luck on your midterm!
Michael
Thank you thank you thank you!!! This was incredibly helpful and so funny! I have a test on the brain in my college biology class, and this helped me learn the material in an easy and fun way!
Thanks!
Fantantastic! Glad you liked it. Good luck on that test. Michael
Sooooo Helpful!!!!!! thanks
Thanks so much for this. I havent managed to retain info like this so quickly in a long time, I can’t thank you enough for how much this has helped me.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks so much Lara! Michael
I have my AP Psychology exam tomorrow and this is the one thing i’ve been hacing trouble with so much. so seriously wow thanks a lot this helped me so quickly=].
Carolina: glad you found this episode just in time! Good luck on the test. Michael
Thanks Michael! This is really helpful…