Quickly Memorize the Parts of the Brain

Get these mnemonics plus 60 crazy images for a variety of additional psych terms. You can improve your test scores with my Psyc Test Hero ebook: mbritt.gumroad.com/l/PsycTest.... Don't waste hours with boring repetition - improve your test scores and memorize in seconds using the science of mnemonics.
This video will show you how to use the Keyword mnemonic technique to memorize 10 parts of the brain.
0:11 - How to remember what the Cortex does
1:43 - How to remember what the Corpus Callosum does
4:04 - How to remember the Thalamus
5:18- How to remember the Hypothalamus - "Hypo the Llamas"
8:25 - How to remember the Hippocampus
10:10 - How to remember the Amygdala
12:45 - How to remember the Pons
13:50 - How to remember the Cerebellum
15:04 - How to remember the Reticular Formation
16:50 - How to remember the Medulla

[@coltonbunch1882]

i never comment but i just have to say thank you! never let your pride get in the way of achieving great things. i really benefited from this. 8 years later and people are still learning from you. Thank you!

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

Thank you so much for your comment Colton. Really made my day!

[@santidaschakravarty5391]

Very good effort. Thank you very much

[@Nightxslayer420]

Seriously. Good Stuff.

[@didiguzman6810]

I have to say the same. This is probably my first KZbin comment, and my last. I loveeed this video! Thank you!

[@haley9976]

* Mom walks downstairs* Me: "I'm studying, I really am"

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

And you really are! Tell her about mnemonics and she'll either look at you funny or she'll get it. Fun comment. Thx

[@IzzyHindle]

Put your hands up if you're cramming for AP Psych tomorrow!

[@tallonfall]

I'm cramming for a test I have in 30 minutes :/

[@saralang8481]

Tallonfall same😂😂😂

[@ilovemyhomefries]

Veterinary Terminology

[@maddiesmith2692]

I’m studying too!

[@charadreemurr9081]

Yep...except I'm seven years from the future

[@misosoup5ever]

That Tickle Me Freud may be the scariest thing I've ever seen. I will never forget Reticular Formation now.

[@AlexandraAttics222]

this guy you're such a hero

[@TheTeaTwo]

This is fantastic. So nice to see a guy who's not afraid to make a fool of himself in the name of science. I will definitely remember this information. Thank you so much, your daughter must be so brainy having you around! xx

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

Rachel Burton Regarding my daughter: I get rolling eyes more than anything else...but thanks for the comment.

[@StarryNightsHI3]

This was extremely helpful! It only took you 20 minutes to teach me what two hours of class couldn't.

[@Madib2222]

Emily Swiftstone I know!!!! Kinda sad

[@carteralleman6955]

A generation has passed since this video first was made and there are still hundreds of people learning so much from this. Thank you you don’t know how much this helped!

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

I did make it quite a while ago. And yes, it is very cool to see how many people comment on it and are getting a lot from it even today. Makes me very happy.

[@MOLLYDOLLIGHT]

My amygdala seems to be working, I actually got startled when you turned out the face

[@jyotikharkwal2759]

MOLLYDOLLIGHT lol me too

[@waqqashanafi]

Why cant all teachers be like this?!?!?!

[@thegoody8392]

Not all heroes wear capes #hypollamaman

[@sup4744]

me before: there's no way I'm going to use this me on the day on my psychology test: ok so if you put a bell on top of your head and try to balance it.......

[@macirussell3857]

I watched this video when I was in AP Psych as a junior in high school. Now, 7 years later, I'm learning Neuroscience in graduate school and came back to watch it again! What's crazy is I remembered almost all of them. So this is a double thank you (from back then and now)!

[@arjungurjar4600]

I am totally and completely flabbergasted right now. wait..... what just happened I just learned all the words effortlessly . You 're doing a great job . definitely people are connected to the "VISUAL" more than they connected to the "WORDS".

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

+Yu Yureka I know - it's weird how it actually works, right? Seems silly but the keyword technique has been around for years with plenty of research support. Thanks for the comment!

[@angienguyen7803]

Hello Michael, I just want to say I have used your video at least once a year ever since I took AP Psych in my senior year in 2013. It is now 2022 and I am revisiting your video for a Neuroscience midterm exam in this Psychopharmacology course in my counseling graduate program. Thank you for this memorable video and wish me luck on the exam!

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

That's so cool. Good luck on the exam Angie!!

[@max9201]

I watched this 3 years ago and for 3 years I've been picturing Lebron James wearing a bell on his head

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

:)

[@ilovemyhomefries]

😂

[@joshuamangar6420]

Re “tickle formation” was definitely the best one I loved how the doll started laughing definitely wasn’t expecting that. You should honestly make videos for Anatomy classes... which includes learning all the parts of the brain, all the bones, tissues, muscles, nerves etc

[@EmpyreanLightASMR]

Cortex - Texas hat, complex thinking Corpus Callosum - Sum of both parts, connects both sides, allows communication between both Thalamus - Hal & Amos, traffic directors, tells signals where to go Hypothalamus - Llamas being hypo'd with water, thirst, hunger, temperature (and sex drive!) Hippocampus - Hippo lost on campus, can't find his class, uses a compass to remember how to get to class. Memory Amygdala - Mig jet fighter = fear! Pons - Ponds, relaxation, calmness (my favorite mnemonic) Cerebellum - bells, think bell towers balanced high in the air, balance, motor control, athleticism Reticular Formation - tickle, wakes you up, arousal (awakeness) Medulla - medals hanging over your heart and lungs (second favorite mnemonic!) Thank youuu

[@ThaoLe-si7mt]

this video is so ridiculous but it was extremely helpful, thank you so much!

[@georgettestillman]

When I took AP Psych senior year, teacher showed this video to our class in the spring of 2015 and it helped a bunch. Almost a decade later, I’m now preparing for my first year teaching intro and AP psych classes and I plan to show this to my students as well 😊

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

Awww.... you made my day!

[@teacupsalt3832]

Bruh this guy is the best teacher ever .. Props for days yaassss

[@tatethecowman3966]

Yaaaaaaaass

[@nattyshazzam3080]

I just wanted to let you know that i did my final exam today and your video helped me get so many answers!!! thank you!!!!

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

+Natty Shazzam That is so cool! Thanks for letting me know!

[@msharma3417]

hello sir, i am a biology teacher from Nepal. i saw your tutorial and applied this unique method of memorising the parts of the brain to my students and it worked amazingly. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I would be grateful if you upload the same for human endocrine system.

[@TahooraHashmi]

hypoing the llamas...lol..u r weirdly amazing sir! keep it up!

[@bonniebelle4130]

I remember watching this 7 years ago when I was in a psychology class. I never forgot "hypo the llamas" and the wig dolla. I came back to watch again. Love this dude!

[@sstarr102732]

Im really embarrassed to have screamed on the scary wig part...

[@shrtbaylorqt04]

+summer starr So did I. lol

[@charlieblowers8199]

Was not prepared for him to jump like that...

[@mypuppy4U]

I jumped gotdammit

[@hebash.3603]

sammee!! bro i fuckin jumped watching this while i was on facetime with my boyfriend. Im glad he didnt see this shit LMAAAOOOO!!!!!!!

[@Idk-hj5zz]

Shit I did too was not expecting that

[@TheRockstarNathan]

This man is a genius.

[@TurtleTomboy]

My teacher showed this to me in highschool over 5 years ago and I still can remember at least half of them- came back to re-learn the rest. Thank you for this!!

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

5 years - wow.

[@mirandaross9217]

I graduated with my bachelors in psych in 2018 and used all of these mnemonics to pass my classes. Almost 3 years later and I can still use these to remember what all the parts of the brain do. THANK YOU! It helped me show off a bit in a training session today lol People’s jaws were dropped that I knew all of them! I had to tell them all about this video. Still so thankful!

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

Awww... thanks so much for this comment! Even I'm surprised at how long these mnemonics can stay in your head. Glad to hear that you were able to impress others at the training. Made my day! :)

[@95klopez]

cool video, the wig part made me jump when he screamed lol

[@Beaumoi]

I'm almost graduating nursing school and I still remember everything he taught me about the brain since my A&P class. Thank you sir!!!

[@terilong6889]

I love this. I am a nurse and I use to scrub in and help operate on the brain. This was the best thing I’ve ever heard. Never could remember what all the different things did . Now I do.

[@hatchluke]

This is the silliest yet most helpful thing I’ve watched in a while

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

Thank you! All smiles here.

[@timmytallskinny1362]

This is the most ridiculous, awesome video. I will never forget!!!

[@angelofdeff21]

This man is a God send. THANK YOU. Psychology 101 is no joke....

[@sydneyberezinski4972]

I watched this and remembered things from this video from when I was in MIDDLE SCHOOL. I am now in grad school, and watching this again. I love it. I have thought about this video all the time since I saw it first and prayed I could find it again. Thanks for this- you rock!

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

Thanks so much for your comment (though it does make me feel a little old...). It's amazing, isn't it? How with the right stimulus (a crazy, nutty image) can cement memories. It all surprises me sometimes. Thanks for your words.

[@AnikIsGreat]

This video's over a decade old but you've managed to help me memorize all the parts of the brain four days before my AP test! Thank you so much for making this.

[@AnikIsGreat]

oh my god Tickle-Me-Freud was scarier than the wig

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

@@AnikIsGreat Yea, it's amazing that these mnemonics work so well. Glad it has been helpful! Thanks for the comment!

[@tonyafaye6932]

Cerebellum = Sarah Ballerina...smooth, coordinated movements! One my teacher taught us!

[@ms_ss7603]

No teachers can be compared to you sir . You are doing a wonderful job​. Keep going.

[@KristineHoward16]

Used this to study for my MCAT. Made it soooo much easier to remember the different parts. Thank you!!

[@donaldmacary5779]

I watched this in 2010 studying for AP psych. It's now 10 years later and I remember all of these mneumonics. This made me laugh! You're a legend!

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

Thank you so much. 10 years - wow. Glad to hear it.

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

Glad you liked the video. I'm also happy to see that you've made up your own mnemonic too. I've never heard of Gene LeBell so I couldn't have made that one up myself. Good for you.

[@MetalSonicDude]

Phenomenal use of mnemonic devices here, some of the best I’ve ever heard. This helped a lot, thank you.

[@miac9605]

I don’t usually comment on this, but I’ve now graduated from psych and this is the only video that ever helped me. I remember It even now

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

Thanks so much Mia.

[@papillonikki]

This is great ! When we learn about memory in Psychology,they tell us all about Mnemonics but when we learn about the brain, it's taught such a dull and boring way and no one ever thinks to memorize it this way! Don't think i'm ever going to forget the parts now! Thanks!!

[@Joyasaurr]

amygdala got me. he screamed and i got scared. the amygdala has to do with fear. what a great guy.

[@lanacarter1770]

Thank you so, so much! I have a Psychology exam coming up, and I needed to remember the parts of the brain... This made it so easy and fun!

[@justins6805]

I used to hate learning about the brain back when I took AP psych in high school, and always struggled with all the parts and functions. However, after watching this video, the brain became my favorite part of general psychology, and I'm now a neurobiology major in college. Thanks Professor Britt!

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

That is such a kind comment Justin!I know from teaching Psychology for many years that students struggle with the brain parts. And now you're a neurobiology major?! Very cool. I'm glad you got so much out of the video.

[@christopherstewart5240]

I show this to the students I tutor in the bio psych class at my university. They had their first exam yesterday and almost all of them cited information from this that helped them answer some of the very difficult questions. You have a gift and we all crack up quoting your video. Thank you.

[@edwardoquendo1902]

I like your props and found them to be very interesting... and reasonable to retain.

[@claygeorge333]

really helped me a lot, remembering the brain functions has been a weak spot since the beginning of the semester a few months ago, now I have it all memorized within 19 minutes, thanks Mr. Britt, Silly but it works.

[@Heather_Morgan]

All these years later, this is still one of my most favorite videos ever. I first saw this video on The Psych Files podcast. I loved it so much, so I was happy when it was uploaded to KZbin. Then I could watch it again anytime and a lot more people could also see it and benefit from it. Not only does it make me laugh, but I've found this very helpful. I've remembered all these parts of the brain for years! Also, it helped me learn how to memorize other things by using this same technique. Thank you, Mr. Britt! 💕

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

Awww.... thank you Heather. This is a great way to start off your day. Really appreciate your comment.

[@marinal2705]

Our AP Psych teacher showed us this in 2015. Today, I'm in my neuro block in medical school and I STILL remember Hal and Amus, hippo compass, hypo the llamas, etc. Thank you for the years of help!!

[@anitaaustralia]

I love hypo the llamas! Tears streaming down my face. Love it. Thanks!

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

"Hypo the llamas" took a long time to come up with. That was a tough one, but it seems to work. Glad you liked it.

[@vibhutiverma664]

dear sir , it has helped me a lot i always found difficulty in remembering parts of brain but now i learned them all very easily thanks a lot

[@taisiaivanova8792]

Can't even begin to describe how much this has helped me! Not only did it finally made me memorize the brain functions, but also made me laugh.Your kids are so incredibly lucky to have you as a dad!

[@thecat3309]

I watched this in my first semester of studying Psychology and just loved it!!!! Now, enrolling for a PhD program just re-watching for fun and fond memories. The associations are still awesome and helpful to me.

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

Very cool. Thanks for leaving the comment. Good luck on that PhD!

[@lauradestroyer]

you are a wonderful man. I was smiling all the way through that because it was so amusing, and I'm pretty sure I learned more than I have from the last three days I have been trying to memories the brain functions

[@Moonstormrising]

Awesome! Love it! Also- thanks for the help! Glad I found this video, it will help me greatly as I study the brain for the A&P1 class I'm in. Memory is an issue for me and this really helps!

[@ghammerle]

I am a psychology professor and I just discovered this video. My students may roll their eyes, but I suspect it will help them a lot. Thank you!

[@pokchop08]

This video changed my life. Revisiting after 2 years for a refresher. I remembered most of them. It definitely helped me to remember them for class.

[@dandyberry4405]

omg even though its kind of silly, its extremely thankful! thanks for taking the time to do this!

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

Glad you liked the video. Thanks to you and the other commenters on this page! More videos like this can be found on my website: www.ThePsychFiles.com

[@ttaylorfaithh]

omg this is great. i can now remember them all with this vid THANK YOU

[@Crimson-charcoal]

This honestly was one of the funniest and most helpful videos I have ever seen in relation to a brain. Some of these things will be hard to forget now! Thank you so much

[@cassatoria]

I watched this to prepare for a test almost two years ago and STILL remember everything. You are so, so helpful. Thank you! :)

[@leobelime3672]

Hahaha studying, having fun, laughing and learning. Love it and sharing it !

[@M111771]

Never going to forget these haha

[@HonkyTonkFishTank]

Wow. S/o KZbin algos. I watched these videos as a 6th grader, when these first came out, and he taught in such a creative way that I STILLL remember the parts of the brain.

[@user-gl5qx8sj8r]

You're an amazing instructor! Thank you for sharing your techniques.

[@vickylewis-baldy8223]

This is incredible!! Has helped me instantly, I have a Neuro exam this week!!

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

Thank you Vicky!

[@nurse_vest]

This was AWESOME! I'm such an "association" learner! I do this all the time I have been studying all weekend and having trouble on the brain. THIS will help for tomorrow's test! :)

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it so much. Hope it helps on that test!

[@nurse_vest]

I woke up going over this and I remembered!! Thanks!

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

Dulie Dover Fantastic - sometimes people think this is so weird, but once you try it - it works. There's plenty of research on the keyword mnemonic technique to show that no matter how crazy it may seem, it works. Glad to hear it.

[@MohamedAhmed-kw7te]

Just bought your app, I can't believe you simplified things I've been having trouble with for weeks in an 18 minute video

[@bgillx]

i watched this video 4 months ago when i started studying for the EPPP (psychology licensure exam). i am one day away from my exam and am shocked at how much i remember without even reviewing this video. mnemonics work! thank you michael!

[@kinjalshah7460]

You are simply awesome

[@rayanrahal2944]

You're my hero

[@sandya1051]

Love the heart for the medulla. Thanks, this was awesome and so are your podcasts.

[@hidoctornuck2969]

You are awesome haha this is surprisingly so therapeutic to watch. PLEASE make more :D

[@mike.mullen]

YES!! Lol. Very nice video!! Memorable for sure. My teacher had a good one for the amygdala. Amygdala -- Amy, a crazy ex-girlfriend of mine who was way too {emotional} for me. She stalks me now and I had to get a restraining order; she showed up at my house the other day and {scared} me so bad that I yelled and ran away screaming ({fight or flight}).

[@fit.tiffanie]

SERIously i'm about to cry This is amazing I'm finally learning psych!!! YESSSSS THANK YOUUU

[@holomemo]

the llamas and hal and amus were fantastic!! you, sir, are a genius.

[@Fizzkemmerly]

Thanks so much. You helped me with my neuroscience tests this entire semester. My favorite educational video ever.

[@MrChickn]

I must be really desperate.

[@radiantcat540]

Really helpful video, but I gotta say, your scream there with the amygdala scared the living daylights out of me. I'm gonna be remembering that one till my death bed.

[@jlawing184]

Thank you Michael! I'm SO glad I came across this! As much as I enjoy A&P, it's a lot of info to remember so this will definitely help!

[@pardonjoon8835]

hi! i just wanted to say that i just started studying for brain bee recently and was having a lot of difficulty memorizing the different structures and their functions until i found this video. this is one of the most engaging and informative videos i've ever seen! thank you so much!

[@jasonboedigheimer2198]

Hahahaha I lost it at the llamas. But in reality this was amazing I couldn't remember them to save my life and now I do. Thanks man.

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

+Jason Boedigheimer "lost it at the llamas" - I like that. Thanks for the comment.

[@JenniferLOwens]

+Michael Britt Perhaps Jason needs ... a hippo with a compass!

[@rheaandmichael7958]

I'm not in school for anything but love anatomy and the brain. This was cute. Wig dollar lol

[@billyh.395]

+Rhea Luna of course

[@shalvipatel9304]

I don't usually comment on videos, but I just wanted to thank you for making such an amazing video. This video has helped me through my high school AP classes, college level anatomy classes, and right now as I study for the MCAT. So, thank you!!!

[@S_a_Z_m]

the one I use at 10:13 AMYgDALA = Star Wars princess Padmé AMIDALA And Anakin became evil because he was AFRAID of Padmé dying.

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

I never thought of that connection - good one.

[@stormboy6677]

Omg I use that too!!!!

[@sandrasedivy1686]

I used this for my psych students in ‘13, and it was incredibly helpful. It was just quirky enough to be engaging and fun while still being knowledgeable. It was a delight to revisit!

[@seanoregan998]

I PASSED MY FINAL!!! I PASSED ANATOMY!!! THANK YOU!!

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

Congratulations Sean!

[@happyanne515]

I didn't expect these to all be so funny. Especially the one with the llamas! =)

[@sassyrasta3053]

Thank you so much, this was incredibly fun and helpful. I am Feeling more hopeful attempting this part of my anatomy class. You ROCK !!

[@PiaRxxxx]

You are a terrific teacher! I really felt the curiosity of a child, being fully present and not thinking about anything else throughout these ~20 minutes. In the end, I realised that the byproduct of my enjoyment and fun was that I actually learned something. This is what learning should feel like. Thank you for sharing this valuable content with the world! *Edit: and also that you made the effort to get all these objects to make the stories more tangible. Only telling vivid stories would have an effect itself but seeing you physically interacting with something and also feeling the emotions myself (e.g. relaxing at the pond or the scary wig) really maximised the effectiveness of this learning strategy. I'm currently doing an internship in biological psychology in my university and therefore, I'm planning on providing some materials for the students that help them memorizing these kinds of information and also make the process of studying more fun. I will share this video with them because I'm sure a lot of them will benefit from it. Thank you, Michael! :)

[@rubygonzalez1223]

omg this is absolutely brilliant! never will i forget 😁😂🙌

[@krisses2698]

watching this late at night, actually jumped at the scary wig x) Maybe I won't forget amygdala now lol

[@ZahidaRasheedtttu]

Ft

[@melenlim1594]

Thank youuuuu. I love these videos. You have seriously helped me get HD's. I love your quirky humour.

[@barbarabenowitz7175]

Not sure if you look at your comments, but I watched this video 5 years ago in high school and I am a psych major in college now. Your video saved my life when it came to brain function and it is funny and IT WORKS!! Even 5 years later!

[@MichaelBritt_ThePsychFiles]

I do keep an eye on comments and your comment just brought a big smile to my face! Still works five years later? Very cool. Thanks so much for leaving a note!

[@RolfSonOfAShepard]

This dude must have raided at least 6 GoodWill stores to find all this random shit.

[@tianzhong3149]

im just here bc i have a quiz tmw

[@Ropinanridin]

Thanks man, it's been 10 years and yoir video is still amazing and helping me not fail this test