There are many important parts of the external brain. The surface of the human brain consists of two main parts: the cerebrum and the cerebellum. The cerebrum has many specialized areas that are associated with high-order cognitive functioning such as the ability to speak and understand the speech of others. The cerebellum is an important area of the brain for motor coordination and balance.
Cerebrum: Frontal Lobe
The frontal lobe of the cerebrum contains areas that determine an individual's personality and behavior. It also has a premotor area that is involved in the planning of movement and a speech center called "Broca's area." It is on the left side of the frontal lobe and lies next to the motor area that controls the movement of the mouth and lips. Broca's area allows for the articulation of speech.
Cerebrum: Parietal Lobe
The parietal lobe of the cerebrum is home to the somatosensory cortex. The senses regulated here are primarily associated with the sense of touch and include the ability to discern an object's texture, size and shape. Another portion of the parietal lobe, an area called the angular gyrus, is involved with the ability to read and write.
Cerebrum: Occipital Lobe
The occipital lobe is in the back of the brain. This area is the primary area of the brain responsible for receiving and processing visual information. It receives information directly from the retinas of the eyes.
Cerebrum: Temporal Lobe
The temporal lobe is the brain's primary auditory center. In addition to facilitating the ability to hear, the temporal lobe contains a limbic brain structure called the hippocampus. This particular structure is important in the establishment of new memories. The temporal lobe is also the place where the brain stores vocabulary and the information that allows for recognition of familiar people and familiar objects.
Cerebellum
The cerebellum is an important motor structure that allows for the carrying out of a sequence of actions. It contributes to coordinating movement of the muscles so that complex actions can occur, such as pitching a baseball.
References
- "Anatomy and Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function (Fifth Edition)"; Ken Saladin; 2010
- "Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain (Third Edition)"; Mark Bear, Barry Connors and Michael Paradiso; 2007
