The brain is made up of millions of nerve cells called neurons. These cells generate electrical impulses and messages to produce thoughts, feelings, sensations, movement and control body functions.
Regions of the brain
The brain is divided into two halves, left and right, called hemispheres. The right hemisphere controls the left side of the body and left hemisphere controls the right. Each hemisphere has four lobes – frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital.
Cerebrum
This is the largest structure of the brain and contains the frontal, parietal, occipital and temporal lobes. It is the centre of intellect, memory, language and consciousness, receiving and interpreting sensory information and controlling movement.
Frontal Lobes
Are considered our emotional control centre and home to our personality. They are also involved in motor function (movement), problem solving, spontaneity, memory, language, initiation, judgement, impulse control, and social and sexual behaviour.
Parietal Lobes
Are involved with touch, temperature and pain perception (sensation), awareness of the body and where it is in space.
Temporal Lobes
Play a large role in language, speech, hearing, memory, personality and behaviour.
Occipital Lobes
Are primarily responsible for vision
Brainstem
Is the stem-like part of the base of the brain that is connected to the spinal cord. It controls the flow of messages between the brain and the rest of the body, and also controls basic body functions such as breathing, swallowing, heart rate, blood pressure, consciousness, and whether one is awake or sleepy.
Cerebellum
The cerebellum is responsible for co-ordination, and maintaining of posture, muscle tone, and balance.
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