The forebrain is the anterior, or front, most part of the brain. It is the center of memory, emotion, thought, language, and behavior. The forebrain is composed of several different structures, each of which serves a specific purpose. So, which of the following is not a structure of the forebrain?

Medulla Oblongata

The medulla oblongata is the lower, or posterior, part of the brain stem. It is responsible for controlling autonomic functions such as breathing, digestion, and heart rate. The medulla oblongata is not a part of the forebrain, but instead is part of the brainstem.

Thalamus

The thalamus is a structure located deep in the forebrain. It functions as a relay center for sensory signals entering the brain. Moreover, it is responsible for relaying motor signals to the cerebral cortex for further processing.

Cerebral Cortex

The cerebral cortex is the outermost layer of the brain. It is composed of tightly packed neurons that are responsible for higher-order functions like decision making, problem solving, and language processing.

Corpus Callosum

The corpus callosum is an area of the brain that bridges the right and left hemispheres. It enables communication and coordination between the two sides of the brain, and it is crucial for proper function of several cognitive processes.

Limbic System

The limbic system is composed of several different structures located deep in the forebrain. It is responsible for processing emotions, motivation, and memory. Structures of the limbic system include the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus.

Answer: Medulla Oblongata

The answer is medulla oblongata. This structure is not a part of the forebrain, but instead is located in the brainstem. The other four structures listed are all components of the forebrain.