The most complex organ in the body, the brain, is made up of a hundred billion neurons communicating with each other. This single organ is divided into three distinct parts with some regions responsible for more than one function. To date, scientists continue to have the challenging task of understanding brain function and discovering ways to prevent and cure catastrophic brain disorders.
Cerebrum
The cerebrum is one of the most highly developed sections of the brain, according to The University Hospital website. It controls numerous higher functions, including memory, emotions, speech, the ability to imagine and think, movement, and fine motor skills. The cerebrum is located at the top part of the brain and consists of two halves, or hemispheres. Despite the split, the two sections communicate with each other through a tract of nerve fiber, notes the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) website. The right hemisphere controls most of the functions on the left side while the left hemisphere controls most body movement on the right.
The cerebrum is made of of four separate lobes—the frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital lobes. According to The University Hospital, the frontal lobes, which lie directly behind the forehead, are responsible for problem solving, controlling personality, planning, behavior and emotions to name a few. When planning a schedule or imaging the future, the frontal lobes are at work. Think of these lobes being a short-term storage area. The two sections behind the frontal are the parietal lobes, which are responsible for enjoying the taste, aroma and texture of food. The temporal lobes, located behind the ears allows people to distinguish the differences in smell and sound. The bottom of the temporal lobes plays an important role in formulating and retrieving memories notes the NINDS, vital to short term memory. Last the occipital lobes process visual information from the eyes and link it back to pictures stored in the memory.
Cerebellum
The cerebellum, also known as the hindbrain, is the second largest area of the brain, mentions The University Hospital. This area controls respiration, heart rate, balance, voluntary movement and coordination. According to the KidsHealth website, the cerebellum—one-eighth the size of the cerebrum—allows people to stand straight, maintain a steady balance and successfully move around.
Brainstem
The midbrain, pons and medulla oblongata make up the brainstem, which is the lower extension of the brain into the spinal cord. The brainstem plays an important role in autonomic function, which controls breathing, swallowing, heart rate and body temperature. The midbrain and pons send stimuli by way of tracts and pathways in the brain helping with regulating smell, eye movement and hearing. All information to and from the body passes by way of the brain stem, notes the Centre for Neuro Skills website.
