The brain, sitting atop the spinal column, controls everything a person does, whether the functions classify as voluntary, such as standing up or running, or involuntary such as breathing and having a heartbeat. The brain itself consists of several parts, which have evolved to make specific contributions to life as we know it. Each provides different functions from its subsections.
Hindbrain
Scientists classify the hindbrain or brainstem as the earliest development in the human brain. This area of the brain, the part that connects directly to the spine, takes care of many of the functions of the body considered vital. A person's breathing pattern and function start here, as well as the rate at which the heart beats. The hindbrain consists of three subsections known as the medulla oblongata, the pons and the cerebellum. The medulla oblongata connects the brain to the spine and regulates breathing and heart rate. The pons, just above this, helps with analyzing sensory data and helps with sleep and consciousness, states Serendip, a science and technology forum out of Bryn Mawr College. The cerebellum functions as a little brain, the organization states, and creates balance, posture and movement coordination.
Midbrain
Above the pons, the midbrain works to control movements of the body and helps the person to see and hear. This portion of the brain, which includes the tegmentum and tectum, also helps the person with voluntary motions.
Forebrain
Most of what makes people human comes from the forebrain. Ideas and thoughts occur here, primarily in the portion of the forebrain called the cerebrum. The person moves to act because of ideations created here. Four parts make up the cerebrum, called the temporal, occipital, parietal and frontal lobes. Each has its own function. For example, the temporal lobe contains memory functions as well as speaking capabilities and understanding audible signals. The frontal lobe works in the reasoning processes as well as for emotions, some aspects of speaking and some forms of motion. The occipital lobe helps people create vision, while the parietal lobe also helps with motion, perception and recognition. The forebrain also contains the limbic system, which includes the hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus and thalamus. The hippocampus focuses on memory functions and learning, while the amygdala works with fear and emotions. The thalamus works as a routing station for nearly all the sensory data acquired from the rest of the body, whereas the hypothalamus regulates the involuntary functions of the nervous system. It also directs the person in emotions as well as hunger and thirst.
