Weighing only three pounds on average, the adult brain may seem small; but, as the control center for all human functions, the brain’s big role in our bodies is undeniable. In the following article, we will explore major parts of the brain and their distinct roles in controlling our conscious and unconscious activities.
Parts of the brain
The brain is composed of three parts: the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brainstem.
Cerebrum
The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain. It is divided into two hemispheres, right and left. Each hemisphere controls the opposite side of the body (i.e. the left side of the brain controls movement of the right arm and leg).
The cerebrum has four lobes that span the hemispheres: the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes. Below are the functions of each lobe:
Frontal lobe: higher-level thinking (judgement, problem-solving, planning), personality (social behavior, impulse control, emotions), producing language, producing voluntary movement
Parietal lobe: interpreting touch sensation (temperature, pressure, pain, position in space), interpreting taste sensation
Temporal lobe: hearing, smell, memory, understanding language
Occipital lobe: vision
Cerebellum
Cerebellum is Latin for “little brain”. This structure sits below the cerebrum. The cerebellum is responsible for the control of voluntary movement, including balance, posture, and coordination.
Brainstem
The brainstem controls automatic processes including breathing, heart rate, digestion, sleeping, and waking. It lies at the base of the cerebrum and cerebellum, sending messages from these areas to the spinal cord.
Brain anatomy is very complex, containing many more subdivisions, structures, and functions than those listed above. This information provides a basic understanding of a bodily organ with many responsibilities in keeping us alive and making us who we are.
Learn more about the brain:
View 3D models and detailed illustrations of individual brain sections.
Read about the brain's role within our nervous system.
If you are looking for an effective solution for your rehabilitation needs, consider the NEOFECT line of Smart Rehabilitation products. Our neurorehabilitation products include support from occupational therapists to maximize functional gains. Please call (866) 534-4989 or email contactus@neofect.com for further inquiry.
-
American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (2019). Anatomy of the Brain. Retrieved from https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Anatomy-of-the-Brain.
-
Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance. (2019). About Brain Injury: A Guide to Brain Anatomy. Roseville, MN.
- Alison Scarpa, OTR/L, CSRSAlison is an occupational therapist and medical device specialist dedicated to helping patients and healthcare providers identify high-tech solutions that optimize performance.