The human brain contains five major divisions--the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, thalamus, midbrain and brain stem--each with a specific region and function. These regions are interconnected to allow information to travel from one region to another to coordinate all the activities of life. Conscious thought such as memory, emotion and movement occurs in the cerebral cortex, while unconscious processes such as breathing, heartbeat and digestion are controlled by the cerebellum, thalamus, midbrain and brain stem.
The Cerebral Cortex - Frontal Lobe
Furthest forward in the brain, you find the frontal lobe, the personality and executive center responsible for complicated tasks such as planning and morality. This discovery was made as a result of a railroad accident in the mid-1800s; American railroad foreman Phineas Gage sustained a devastating injury in an explosion: a one-inch diameter tamping iron was shot directly through his frontal lobe. Although Gage lived for 12 years after the accident, he suffered a severe personality change and frequently exhibited bizarre behavior, according to the article "Phineas Gage: Unanswered questions."
Parietal Lobe
The region of the brain above ear is called the parietal lobe, which processes sensory information from the environment. Strokes often damage this region and can cause numbness and tingling in an arm or leg.
Temporal Lobe
Just below the ear is the temporal portion that integrates and produces language. If this part of the brain is injured, people may have difficulty speaking, writing or understanding words and phrases.
Occipital Lobe
At the back of the head is the occipital lobe, which evaluates information from the eye. Damage to this area can cause blindness.
Cerebellum
The cerebellum or "little bell" is found in the back of the skull, below the occipital cortex. It integrates information about body position and environmental surroundings as well as muscle control to provide the coordination necessary for moving around.
Thalamus, Midbrain and Brain Stem
The Freudian concept of the subconscious mind is controlled here in the deep regions of the brain.These regions developed early in evolution and are found in most animals. Controlling heart rate, breathing patterns, balance and visual adaptation to light as well as pain, hunger and satiety, they support the basic activities that are essential for life. Damage to these structures can occur and have devastating consequences that are often fatal.
References
- "The Human Brain: An Introduction to its Functional Anatomy"; John Nolte, Ph.D.; 2008
- "Principles of Neuroscience"; Eric R. Kandell, James H. Schwartz and Thomas M. Jessell; 2000
- "Phineas Gage: Unanswered questions"; Deakin University; 2010
