Final answer:
The developed brain is protected by meninges and includes the cortex divided into four lobes, the basal ganglia, thalamus, hypothalamus, limbic system, cerebellum, and brainstem, each responsible for various complex functions. The spinal cord plays a critical role in transmitting sensory and motor signals and motor reflex control.
Step-by-step explanation:
The developed vertebrate brain is covered and protected by three meninges and contains numerous structurally and functionally distinct regions. The brain's cortex is divided into four functional lobes: the frontal, temporal, occipital, and parietal lobes. Each lobe is responsible for various cognitive and sensory functions. The basal ganglia are involved in movement and reward processing. The thalamus functions primarily as a sensory relay station, while the hypothalamus is crucial for homeostatic functions such as temperature regulation and thirst. The limbic system is intertwined with emotional processing and memory. Motor coordination and learning are facilitated by the cerebellum. Lastly, the brainstem, which includes the medulla, pons, and midbrain, controls many automatic functions like breathing and blood pressure. Connections between regions, like those between the cerebrum and brainstem through the diencephalon, and from those regions into the spinal cord, are essential for the integrative processes of the central nervous system.
Additionally, the spinal cord, an information superhighway, connects the brain with the body. It is crucial for transmitting sensory and motor input, as well as controlling motor reflexes. The gray matter in the spinal cord is involved in processing information, whereas the white matter contains myelinated axons that enable rapid communication within the nervous system.