The brain controls multiple bodily functions, ranging from simple to high-level tasks. Each part of the brain is responsible for separate duties, but they interact with each other through neural connections. The brain can be divided into three major parts: the cerebrum, the cerebellum and the brain stem. The cerebrum has four lobes on each hemisphere, which are called the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe and occipital lobe. The brain stem also has subdivisions, such as the pons and medulla.
Frontal Lobe
The frontal lobe is the ventral-most lobe of the brain, as its name implies. The University of Washington states that the frontal lobe is responsible for many functions, like reasoning, planning and problem-solving. The frontal lobe also controls some basic movements and responses to emotional situations. In the left hemisphere, the frontal lobe contains Broca's area, which regulates speech formation. Other functions include consciousness, activity with the environment and personality.
Parietal Lobe
The parietal lobe is dorsal to the frontal lobe, close to the top of the head. Within the parietal lobe is the sensory cortex, where the brain reacts to information from touch, pressure, temperature and pain, which leads to spatial relationships. The Centre for Neuro Skills adds that the parietal lobe is also response for visual attention and voluntary movement.
Temporal Lobe
The temporal lobe is inferior to the parietal lobe, near the temples. The temporal lobe houses the hippocampus, which is the brain structure responsible for consolidating short-term memories into long-term memories, thus making them permanent, according to the University of Washington. In the left hemisphere, the temporal lobe contains Wernicke's area, which is the language comprehension center. Other temporal lobe functions include smell, hearing and object categorizing.
Occipital Lobe
The occipital lobe is most dorsal lobe of the brain, superior to the cerebellum. The occipital lobe is the visual center, and identifies color and movement of an object.
Cerebellum
The cerebellum is located at the base of the brain, and is the center of voluntary movement. The Centre of Neuro Skills notes that the cerebellum controls balance, posture and equilibrium. Procedural memory storage, which is from motor memory, is also in the cerebellum.
Pons
The Children's Hospital Boston states that the pons is a section of the brain stem, and its functions involve movements in the eyes and face.
Medulla
Another part of the brain stem, the medulla controls vital functions, such as heart rate and breathing.
