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The brain is responsible for co-ordinating, integrating and controlling the rest of the nervous system. The brain is divided into several parts. Based on phylogenetic development, it can be divided into the forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain. Based on gross anatomy, it can be divided into the cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem.  The brain is enclosed within the cranial cavity of the skull.

The brain is responsible for co-ordinating, integrating and controlling the rest of the nervous system. The brain is divided into several parts. Based on phylogenetic development, it can be divided into the forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain. Based on gross anatomy, it can be divided into the cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem.  The brain is enclosed within the cranial cavity of the skull.

==Forebrain==

==Forebrain==

The ''forebrain (proencephalon)'' is the largest part of the brain, most of which is ''cerebrum''. Other important structures found in the forebrain include the ''thalamus'' , the ''hypothalamus'' and the ''limbic system''. The cerebrum is divided into two cerebral hemispheres connected by a mass of white matter  known as the ''corpus callosum''. Each hemisphere is split into four lobes; the ''frontal'', ''parietal'', ''occipital''  and ''temporal'' lobes. The surface of each hemisphere is made up of grey matter known as the ''cerebral cortex'' and is folded to increase the surface area available within the skull. The cortex has roles within perception, memory and all higher thought processes. Inside the cortex is the ''white matter'', within which are a number of nuclei (grey matter), known as the ''basal nuclei''. The basal nuclei receive information from the cortex to regulate skeletal movement and other higher motor functions.

The '''forebrain (proencephalon)''' is the largest part of the brain, most of which is '''cerebrum'''. Other important structures found in the forebrain include the '''thalamus''' , the '''hypothalamus''' and the '''limbic system'''. The cerebrum is divided into two cerebral hemispheres connected by a mass of white matter  known as the '''corpus callosum'''. Each hemisphere is split into four lobes; the '''frontal''', '''parietal''', '''occipital'''  and '''temporal''' lobes. The surface of each hemisphere is made up of grey matter known as the '''cerebral cortex''' and is folded to increase the surface area available within the skull. The cortex has roles within perception, memory and all higher thought processes. Inside the cortex is the '''white matter''', within which are a number of nuclei (grey matter), known as the '''basal nuclei'''. The basal nuclei receive information from the cortex to regulate skeletal movement and other higher motor functions.

The thalamus functions to relay sensory information to the cerebral cortex and the hypothalamus, regulating visceral functions including temperature, reproductive functions, eating, sleeping and the display of emotion. The limbic system describes a collection of structures within the forebrain, including the ''amygdala'' and '' hippocampus'', also known as the 'emotional brain'. It is important in the formation of memories and in making decisions and learning.

The thalamus functions to relay sensory information to the cerebral cortex and the hypothalamus, regulating visceral functions including temperature, reproductive functions, eating, sleeping and the display of emotion. The limbic system describes a collection of structures within the forebrain, including the '''amygdala''' and '''hippocampus''', also known as the 'emotional brain'. It is important in the formation of memories and in making decisions and learning.

===Thalamus===

===Thalamus===

The thalamus is comprised of two oval shaped structures, connected by the '''interthalamic adhesion'''.

The thalamus is comprised of two oval shaped structures, connected by the '''interthalamic adhesion'''.

===Hypothalamus===

===Hypothalamus===

The hypothalamus is located on the floor of the diencephalon, beneath the thalamus. It communicates with the cerebral cortex, thalamus, [[Equine Endocrine System - Horse Anatomy#Pituitary Gland|pituitary gland]] and other areas of the brain via the '''infundibular stalk'''.

The hypothalamus is located on the floor of the diencephalon, beneath the thalamus. It communicates with the cerebral cortex, thalamus, [[Equine Endocrine System - Horse Anatomy#Pituitary Gland|pituitary gland]] and other areas of the brain via the '''infundibular stalk'''.

The function of the hypothalamus is mainly related to the overall regulation of the [[Equine Endocrine System - Horse Anatomy|Endocrine System]]. It also controls and integrates the autonomic nervous system, therefore controlling heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and gastrointestinal secretions.  The hypothalamus is closely related to the [[Equine Endocrine System - Horse Anatomy#Pituitary Gland|pituitary gland]], controlling a large proportion of the activity going to it. For a more detailed analysis of the function of this part of the brain, please use the link: [[Hypothalamus - Anatomy & Physiology|Hypothalamus Anatomy and Physiology]].

The function of the hypothalamus is mainly related to the overall regulation of the [[Equine Endocrine System - Horse Anatomy|Endocrine System]]. It also controls and integrates the [[Autonomic_Nervous_System_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|autonomic nervous system]], therefore controlling heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and gastrointestinal secretions.  The hypothalamus is closely related to the [[Equine Endocrine System - Horse Anatomy#Pituitary Gland|pituitary gland]], controlling a large proportion of the activity going to it. For a more detailed analysis of the function of this part of the brain, please use the link: [[Hypothalamus - Anatomy & Physiology|Hypothalamus Anatomy and Physiology]].

===Pituitary===

===Pituitary===

The function of the pituitary is mainly related to the production of hormones as part of the Endocrine System. For further information on the pituitary gland please use this link: [[Equine Endocrine System - Horse Anatomy#Pituitary Gland|Equine Pituitary Gland]].

The function of the pituitary is mainly related to the production of hormones as part of the [[Equine Endocrine System - Horse Anatomy|Endocrine System]]. For further information on the pituitary gland please use this link: [[Equine Endocrine System - Horse Anatomy#Pituitary Gland|Equine Pituitary Gland]].

===Cerebral Cortex===

===Cerebral Cortex===

This cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, divided by the '''median fissure''' into two cerebral hemispheres. The cerebral hemispheres are connected by the '''corpus callosum'''. The outer layers of the cerebrum are made up of grey matter. Grey matter is formed by neurons and their unmyelinated fibres. The white matter below the grey matter of the cortex is formed predominantly by myelinated axons (myelin is white in appearance). The surface of the cerebral cortex is folded, the numerous folds are known as '''gyri''' which greatly increase the surface area. Grooves between these gyri are known as '''sulci'''; more than two thirds of the surface is within sulci. The cerebral cortex is connected to structures such as the thalamus and the basal ganglia, sending information to them along ''efferent'' connections and receiving information from them via ''afferent'' connections. Most sensory information is routed to the cerebral cortex via the thalamus. The cortex is commonly described as comprising three parts; sensory, motor and association areas.

This cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, divided by the '''median fissure''' into two cerebral hemispheres. The cerebral hemispheres are connected by the '''corpus callosum'''. The outer layers of the cerebrum are made up of grey matter. Grey matter is formed by neurons and their unmyelinated fibres. The white matter below the grey matter of the cortex is formed predominantly by myelinated axons (myelin is white in appearance). The surface of the cerebral cortex is folded, the numerous folds are known as '''gyri''' which greatly increase the surface area. Grooves between these gyri are known as '''sulci'''; more than two thirds of the surface is within sulci. The cerebral cortex is connected to structures such as the thalamus and the basal ganglia, sending information to them along ''efferent'' connections and receiving information from them via ''afferent'' connections. Most sensory information is routed to the cerebral cortex via the thalamus. The cortex is commonly described as comprising three parts; sensory, motor and association areas.

*The '''extrapyramidal tracts''' pass through the medulla oblongata outside the ventral pyramidal tracts and have synapses within the brain stem nuclei. These synapses make it possible for signals travelling down the extrapyramidal horns to be influenced by other areas of the brain including the cerebrum.  The extrapyramidal tracts are generally responsible for activation of larger muscle groups and often work in a coordinated manner to achieve smooth synchronous movements.

*The '''extrapyramidal tracts''' pass through the medulla oblongata outside the ventral pyramidal tracts and have synapses within the brain stem nuclei. These synapses make it possible for signals travelling down the extrapyramidal horns to be influenced by other areas of the brain including the cerebrum.  The extrapyramidal tracts are generally responsible for activation of larger muscle groups and often work in a coordinated manner to achieve smooth synchronous movements.

===Limbic System===

===Limbic System===

The Limbic system is made up of parts of the brain bordering the '''corpus collosum'''. The Limbic system contains areas of '''cerebral cortex''', the '''cingulate gyrus''' (dorsally), the '''parahippocampus gyrus''' (ventrally), the '''amygdala''', parts of the '''hypothalamus''' (mamillary body) and the '''hippocampus'''. The limbic system is principally responsible for emotions and the various types of emotion can affect the activity of the ''[[Autonomic_Nervous_System_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|Autonomic Nervous System]]'', facilitated by the hypothalamus.

The Limbic system is made up of parts of the brain bordering the '''corpus collosum'''. The Limbic system contains areas of '''cerebral cortex''', the '''cingulate gyrus''' (dorsally), the '''parahippocampus gyrus''' (ventrally), the '''amygdala''', parts of the '''[[Hypothalamus - Anatomy & Physiology|Hypothalamus Anatomy and Physiology]]''' (mamillary body) and the '''hippocampus'''. The limbic system is principally responsible for emotions and the various types of emotion can affect the activity of the ''[[Autonomic_Nervous_System_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|Autonomic Nervous System]]'', facilitated by the [[Hypothalamus - Anatomy & Physiology|Hypothalamus Anatomy and Physiology]].

===Olfactory Bulb===

===Olfactory Bulb===

The olfactory bulb is responsible for olfaction and the bulb itself is located within the rostral forebrain area, supported by the ''cribiform plate'' and the ''ethmoid bone''. The olfactory nerves are connected directly to the limbic system.As a result, olfaction plays a central role and is particularly important in regulating/stimulating sexual behaviour.

The olfactory bulb is responsible for olfaction and the bulb itself is located within the rostral forebrain area, supported by the ''cribiform plate'' and the ''ethmoid bone''. The [[Equine Cranial Nerves - Horse Anatomy|olfactory nerves]] are connected directly to the limbic system. As a result, olfaction plays a central role and is particularly important in regulating/stimulating sexual behaviour.

==Midbrain==

==Midbrain==