The human brain is part of the body’s central nervous system; in conjunction with the spinal cord and nerves, it controls everything that the body does. The main functions of the brain are controlled by three of the brain structures: the cerebellum, the cerebrum and the brainstem. Each brain structure is responsible for different areas of control.
Thought and Voluntary Movement
Thought and voluntary movement are controlled by the cerebrum, which is the largest section of the human brain, contributing 85 percent of its weight, according to Kids Health. The cerebrum is part of the forebrain and is divided into four lobes: the frontal lobe, the occipital lobe, the parietal lobe and the temporal lobe. The frontal lobe is associated with reasoning, problem solving, speech, movement and emotions. The occipital lobe is responsible for processing visual information. The parietal lobe is associated with movement, perception and recognition. The temporal lobe is responsible for memory, speech and the processing of auditory information, according to Bryn Mawr College. The cerebrum is also divided into halves, known as the right and left hemispheres. The right hemisphere controls movement on the left side of the body, and the left hemisphere controls movement on the right side of the body.
Movement, Posture and Balance
Regulation of movement, posture and balance is a main function of the cerebellum, which is part of the hindbrain. The cerebellum is also divided into a left and right hemisphere, according to Bryn Mawr College. The cerebellum is located in the back of the brain, below the cerebrum, and is approximately one-eighth of the cerebrum's size, according to Kids Health. The cerebellum helps a person maintain equilibrium, stand up straight and control movements.
Basic Life Functions
Sustaining basic life functions is controlled by the brainstem. The brainstem is also part of the hindbrain, and is located beneath the cerebrum and in front of the cerebellum. The brain stem connects the brain to the spinal cord and is responsible for involuntary movements, such as breathing, digestion and blood circulation, which are vital to sustaining life.
The brainstem also controls neural impulses, sending messages, such as those telling the heart to beat or the body to inhale, from the brain to other body parts.
