Brain Overview and Functions

Brain Overview

• The brain is one of the most complex and fascinating organs in the human body, controlling and coordinating all bodily functions and activities.
• It is responsible for movement, sensation, emotions, and cognition.

Three Parts of the Brain

• Brainstem: the most basic and primitive part of the brain, located at the base of the skull, beneath the cerebrum and in front of the cerebellum.
• Brainstem connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls automatic functions such as:
• Breathing
• Digestion
• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Coughing
• Sneezing

Functions of Other Brain Parts

• Cerebellum: located at the back of the brain, responsible for:
• Coordinating movement
• Maintaining balance
• Processing sensory information from:
• Eyes
• Ears
• Muscles
• Sending signals to control movement and balance
• Cerebrum: the largest and most complex part of the brain, located at the back of the head, under the skull.
• Cerebrum is involved in:
• Memory
• Problem-solving
• Thinking
• Emotions
• Controlling movement
• Cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres, connected by fibers called the corpus callosum.
• The outer layer of the cerebrum, called the cerebral cortex, is important for processing sensory information.