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Memorizing Brain Parts with Mnemonics

Jun 2, 2025

Lecture Notes: Memorizing Major Parts of the Brain with Mnemonics

Overview

This lecture provides mnemonic devices to help memorize the major parts of the brain. Mnemonics use imaginative imagery to create memorable associations with the functions and names of the brain parts.

1. Cerebral Cortex

  • Mnemonic: "Tex" (Texas hat on the cortex)
  • Function: Complex thinking
    • Visual: Hat on the outside represents external part of the brain responsible for complex thoughts.

2. Corpus Callosum

  • Mnemonics:
    • "Core plus Colossum": Adds the two brain halves together
    • "Call Some One": Connects two brain hemispheres for communication.
  • Function: Connects the right and left hemispheres.

3. Thalamus

  • Mnemonic: "Hal and Amos"
    • Imagery: Hal and Amos directing traffic of signals in the brain like traffic cops.
  • Function: Directs sensory signals to appropriate parts for processing.

4. Hypothalamus

  • Mnemonic: "Hypo the Llamas"
    • Imagery: Cooling down llamas with a hypo (syringe) for thirst/hunger regulation.
  • Function: Regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and drives.

5. Hippocampus

  • Mnemonic: "Hippo Campus" or "Hippo Compass"
    • Imagery: Lost hippo uses a compass to remember directions.
  • Function: Memory formation.

6. Amygdala

  • Mnemonics:
    • "Mig" (attack plane) for fear
    • "Wig Dolla": Scary wig with dollars for fear.
  • Function: Regulates fear response.

7. Pons

  • Mnemonic: "Pond"
    • Imagery: Relaxing beside a pond.
  • Function: Regulates relaxation and sleep.

8. Cerebellum

  • Mnemonic: "Bell"
    • Imagery: Athlete or dancer balancing with bells.
  • Function: Balance and motor control.

9. Reticular Formation

  • Mnemonic: "Tickle"
    • Imagery: Tickle Sigmund Freud to wake him up (arousal and alertness).
  • Function: Arousal and alertness.

10. Medulla

  • Mnemonic: "Metal"
    • Imagery: Medals over heart and lungs for regulation.
  • Function: Controls heart and lung functions.

Conclusion

  • Utilize these mnemonics to better memorize brain parts and their functions.
  • For more information and to download a list of these mnemonics, visit www.thecycfiles.com.

Tips

  • Make mnemonics vivid and engaging; the more bizarre or humorous, the better they stick.
  • Review these regularly to reinforce memory.

Full transcript