Functions of Human Brain

The Brain has three main parts, the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brain stem. The brain is divided into regions that control specific functions.

THE CEREBRUM:

Frontal Lobe:

Behavior

Abstract thought processes
Problem solving
Attention
Creative thought
Some emotion
Intellect
Reflection
Judgment
Initiative
Inhibition
Coordination of movements
Generalized and mass movements
Some eye movements
Sense of smell
Muscle movements
Skilled movements
Some motor skills
Physical reaction
Libido (sexual urges)

Occipital Lobe:

Vision

Reading

Parietal Lobe:

Sense of touch (tactile senstation)
Appreciation of form through touch (stereognosis)
Response to internal stimuli (proprioception)
Sensory combination and comprehension
Some language and reading functions
Some visual functions

Temporal Lobe:

Auditory memories
Some hearing
Visual memories
Some vision pathways
Other memory
Music
Fear
Some language
Some speech
Some behavior amd emotions
Sense of identity


Right Hemisphere (the representational hemisphere)

The right hemisphere controls the left side of the body
Temporal and spatial relationships
Analyzing nonverbal information
Communicating emotion


Left Hemisphere (the categorical hemisphere)

The left hemisphere controls the right side of the body
Produce and understand language

Corpus Callosum
Communication between the left and right side of the brain

THE CEREBELLUM
Balance
Posture
Cardiac, respiratory, and vasomotor centers

THE BRAIN STEM
Motor and sensory pathway to body and face
Vital centers: cardiac, respiratory, vasomotor

Hypothalamus
Moods and motivation
Sexual maturation
Temperature regulation
Hormonal body processes

Optic Chiasm
Vision and the optic nerve

Pituitary Gland
Hormonal body processes
Physical maturation
Growth (height and form)
Sexual maturation
Sexual functioning

Spinal Cord
Conduit and source of sensation and movement

Pineal Body
Unknown


Ventricles and Cerebral Aqueduct
Contains the cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord