According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the brain is the most complex part of the human body. The brain is responsible for bodily functions and converting sensory information into motor reactions. The cerebrum, cerebellum and brain stem are the three major parts of the brain; the cerebrum has two halves--the left and right hemispheres--that each have four lobes. Besides the external structures, the brain also contains internal structures, like the hippocampus and hypothalamus.
Frontal Lobe
Located at the front of the brain, the frontal lobe is responsible for multiple functions of the brain. The University of Washington states that reasoning, problem-solving and planning take place in the frontal lobe. Some emotional processing also takes place in the frontal lobe. The frontal lobe also contains the motor cortex, which regulates movement and Broca's area, which controls speech production.
Parietal Lobe
The parietal lobe is found behind the frontal lobe and toward the top of the brain. The NINDS states that the parietal lobe is the location of the primary sensory area, which processes incoming sensory information, like touch.
Temporal Lobe
Also behind the frontal lobe, the temporal lobe is found below the parietal lobe. The University of Washington notes that auditory stimuli that come from the ears to the temporal lobe, where the brain then recognizes and processes the information. The temporal lobe also holds the hippocampus.
Occipital Lobe
The occipital lobe is the brain lobe located at the back of the head. This brain lobe is the vision center of the brain, where incoming information from the eyes is processed. The NINDS adds that the occipital lobe also stores visual memories.
Cerebellum
Found underneath the cerebrum, the cerebellum controls movement and coordination. The Lundbeck Institute states that the cerebellum figures out the body's position and movement by coordinating sensory input from other parts of the brain.
Brain Stem
Located at the base of the brain, the brain stem is the connection between the brain and the spinal cord. The Lundbeck Institute notes that the brain stem controls involuntary functions, like breathing and heart rate.
Hippocampus
The hippocampus is found deep within the temporal lobe. The NINDS states that the hippocampus is involved in memory and is responsible for converting short-term memories into long-term memories. Once these memories are consolidated by the hippocampus, they are sent to other regions of the brain.
Hypothalamus
Another internal structure found just above the brain stem, the hypothalamus has multiple regulatory functions. The NINDS states that the hypothalamus regulates hormones, arousal and adrenaline release.
