As well as the "division" between left and right brains and the existence of the lobes of the cortex, the operations of the brain seem to occur in three distinct areas that impact on the types of processes that are regulated. Understanding these structures takes us closer to what is needed in order to fully comprehend the way emotions work.

The Forebrain This is the largest division and it is involved in a wide range of activities we consider makes us human The forebrain includes the cerebral hemispheres and, under these, the diencephalon, which contains the thalamus and hypothalamus. The thalamus is the main relay centre between the medulla and the cerebrum; the hypothalamus is an important control centre for sex drive, pleasure, pain, hunger, thirst, blood pressure, body temperature, and other visceral functions.

The forebrain also contains the limbic system which is directly linked to the experience of emotion.

The Midbrain is the smallest division and it makes connections with the other two divisions and alerts the forebrain to incoming sensations.

The Hindbrain is involved in sleeping, waking, body movements and the control of vital reflexes such as heart rate, blood pressure. The structures of the hindbrain include the pons, medulla and cerebellum.