Each part of the human brain is responsible for functions in the body. The brain is made up of three major sections: the cerebrum, the cerebellum and the brain stem. The cerebrum is divided into two parts, the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere. The two hemispheres are connected by and communicate through the corpus callosum. In each of the hemispheres there is a frontal lobe, temporal lobe, occipital lobe and parietal lobe.
Cerebrum
According to the Stroke Center at Washington University in St. Louis' School of Medicine, the cerebrum is the largest and the most developed part of the human brain. The cerebrum is responsible for multiple functions, such as speech, emotion, integration of sensory stimuli and movement. The cerebrum is divided into two parts: the right hemisphere and the left hemisphere, with each hemisphere having four lobes.
Hemispheres
Both the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere contain the same structures. However, each hemisphere controls different parts of the body. According to the Stroke Center at Washington University in St. Louis' School of Medicine, the left hemisphere of the brain controls the right side of the body, and the right hemisphere of the brain controls the left side of the body. The hemispheres control opposite sides of the body because nerve fibers cross in the brain stem. In addition, one hemisphere is more developed, according to the Stroke Center at Washington University in St. Louis' School of Medicine. For example, 95 percent of right-handed persons and the majority of left-handed persons have a language dominance in the left hemisphere.
Lobes
Each lobe of the brain has its own function, according to the Stroke Center at Washington University in St. Louis' School of Medicine. The frontal lobe, which is the foremost lobe in the brain, is responsible for judgment, foresight, voluntary movement and smell. The temporal lobe, located by the ears, controls intellectual and emotional functions, as well as hearing. The occipital lobe, which is in the back of the brain, contains the primary visual area. The parietal lobe, which is behind the frontal lobe, deals with the comprehension of language.
Cerebellum
The cerebellum is the second largest area of the brain, according to the Stroke Center at Washington University in St. Louis' School of Medicine. Located beneath the occipital lobe and the temporal lobe, the cerebellum maintains balance, and controls movement and coordination.
Brain Stem
The brain stem connects the cerebral structures to the spinal cord. According to the Stroke Center at Washington University in St. Louis' School of Medicine, the brain stem controls respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, arousal and attention.
