Describe the location and functioning of the medulla, cerebellum, thalamus, hypothalamus, and cerebral cortex.

The medulla, cerebellum, thalamus, and hypothalamus are all located in the hindbrain, which is the earliest part of the brain believed to have evolved. The medulla controls essential life support functions (heartrate, breathing) and is above the spinal cord, while the thalamus serves as a relay station for sensory information. The hypothalamus is under the thalamus, and is in charge of motivation. The cerebral cortex is the surface of the brain, and covers the cerebrum. The cerebrum is the part of the brain that processes thought, vision, language, memory, and emotions.