About the Human BrainAnatomy & FunctionThe brain is arguably the most important organ in the human body. It controls and coordinates actions and reactions, allows us to think and feel, and enables us to have memories and feelings—all the things that make us human. Show
While the brain only weighs about three pounds, it is a highly complex organ made up of many parts. Years of scientific study have made it possible for scientists to identify the various areas of the brain and determine their specific functions. The following information provides a brief description of some of the major parts of the human brain. The Cranium: Covering of the BrainThe brain is protected by a bony covering called the cranium. The cranium and the bones of the face make up the skull. Inside the cranium, the brain is surrounded by three layers of tissue called the meninges. The meninges include:
The Cerebrum: Front Part of the BrainThe largest part of the brain, located in the front, is called the cerebrum. The cerebrum is responsible for:
The cerebrum is made up of the right and left cerebral hemispheres. The hemispheres are connected at the bottom and have a deep groove running between them. In general, the right cerebral hemisphere controls the left side of the body, and the left cerebral hemisphere controls the right. The right side is involved with creativity and artistic abilities. The left side is important for logic and rational thinking. The cerebral hemispheres are divided into lobes (broad regions of the brain). Each lobe is responsible for a variety of bodily functions. Frontal lobes are involved with personality, speech, and motor development. Temporal lobes are responsible for memory, language and speech function. Parietal lobes are involved with sensation, while the occipital lobes are the primary vision centers. The surface of the cerebrum appears wrinkled and is made up of deep grooves (called sulci) and bumps or folds (called gyri). The outer part of the cerebrum is called gray matter and contains nerve cells. The inner part is called white matter and contains connections of nerves. The Brainstem: Middle of the BrainThe brainstem is located in front of the cerebellum. Think of the brainstem like a computer hard-drive. It is the body’s main control panel and is responsible for conveying messages between the brain and other parts of the body. The cerebrum, the cerebellum and the spinal cord are all connected to the brainstem. The brainstem has three main parts: the midbrain, the pons and the medulla oblongata. The brain stem controls these vital body functions:
The Cerebellum: Back of the BrainBehind the cerebrum at the back of the head lies the cerebellum. In Latin, cerebellum means “little brain,” but the cerebellum actually contains more nerve cells than both hemispheres combined. The cerebellum is primarily a movement control center, responsible for:
Unlike the cerebrum, the left cerebellum controls the left side of the body, and the right cerebellum controls the right side of the body. Other Key Parts of the BrainVentricular System Cranial Nerves
Learn More About the BrainTo learn more about the anatomy and function of the brain, take advantage of these reputable resources:
Princeton Brain, Spine & Sports Medicine
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What do you want to learn about?Powered By The Circle of Health. Learn More To discuss brain disorder symptoms or schedule an appointment with a Princeton Brian & Spine neurosurgeon, call our New Jersey offices at 609.921.9001 or our Pennsylvania office at 215.741.3141. For your convenience, you can also connect with PBSSM staff online. Which part of the brain is primarily associated with life support?The brainstem, which connects the brain to the CNS, is concerned primarily with life support and basic functions, such as breathing and movement. The cerebrum controls intelligence, creativity, and memory.
Which part of the brain primarily regulates muscle functioning and coordinated movement?The Hindbrain
It consists of the cerebellum, pons, and medulla. The cerebellum — also called the "little brain" because it looks like a small version of the cerebrum — is responsible for balance, movement, and coordination. The pons and the medulla, along with the midbrain, are often called the brainstem.
Which part of the brain controls the central switchboard of the central nervous system?Thalamus: Your thalamus is a structure residing deep in your cerebrum and above your brainstem. This structure is sometimes referred to as the switchboard of the central nervous system. It relays various sensory information, like sight, sound or touch, to your cerebral cortex from the rest of your body.
What is the CNS responsible for?The central nervous system is the body's processing centre. The brain controls most of the functions of the body, including awareness, movement, thinking, speech, and the 5 senses of seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting and smelling.
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