The human brain is a complex conglomerate of brain matter, nerves and blood vessels that control your ability to walk, talk and think. Though the human brain may appear to be one large mass of tissue, it's actually made up of numerous different parts that each serve a specific function within the body.
Brain Stem
At the base of your skull, the brain stem connects your brain to your spinal column. This small region of the brain is responsible for controlling a vast array of brain functions, including your reflexes, heart rate and blood pressure. The brain stem also serves to regulate your breathing, sleep cycle and dreaming, say professionals at the National Institute of Aging (NIA).
Cerebellum
The cerebellum is the second-largest part of your brain and sits right above your brain stem. This brain region controls your ability to move your muscles and maintain normal balance when you stand, walk or run. The cerebellum is also in charge of processing nerve signals that are sent to the brain by your ears, eyes, muscles and joints. This part of the brain is in constant communication with the other regions of the brain and the spinal cord, the NIA says.
Cerebrum
The cerebrum is the largest part of the human brain. This brain region processes all of the sensory information necessary to think, speak and move. The cerebrum is divided into the right and left hemispheres, which control nerve signals associated with the left and right sides of your body, respectively. The left hemisphere typically processes analytical and mathematical information; the right hemisphere processes creative and artistic information.
The cerebrum is made up of four lobes: frontal, parietal, occipital and temporal. The frontal lobes are located immediately behind the forehead and process complex information related to movement, speech, learning, thought and emotion, National Geographic says. Behind the frontal lobes lie the parietal lobes. The parietal lobes of the brain allow you to perceive and interpret sensory stimulation, such as pain, temperature and touch. The occipital lobes lie at the back of the brain. These lobes allow you to receive and process information provided by your eyes, enabling you to distinguish colors, shapes and other visual information. The temporal lobes, which are located near your temples on either side of your brain, help you form and retain information in the form of memories. These brain lobes also allow you to process information associated with your senses, such as taste, sound and smell.
