Detailed Functions of Each Part of the Human Brain
1. CEREBRUM (Part of Forebrain)
Largest part of the brain.
Divided into two hemispheres (left and right), each controlling the opposite side of the body.
Further divided into lobes (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital).
Main Functions:
- Controls voluntary actions (e.g., writing, walking, speaking).
- Responsible for thinking, intelligence, memory, reasoning, learning.
- Interprets sensory inputs (touch, vision, sound, taste, smell).
- Controls personality and emotions.
2. HYPOTHALAMUS (Part of Forebrain)
Located below the thalamus.
Links nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland.
Main Functions:
- Regulates body temperature.
- Controls hunger and thirst.
- Maintains homeostasis (internal balance).
- Controls sleep-wake cycles (biological clock).
- Regulates emotions and some behaviors like aggression or pleasure.
- Controls release of hormones from the pituitary gland.
3. THALAMUS (Part of Forebrain)
Located above the hypothalamus.
Acts as a relay station for sensory and motor signals.
Main Functions:
- Receives sensory signals (except smell) and sends them to the cerebrum.
- Helps in consciousness, alertness, and pain perception.
- Plays a role in sleep regulation.
4. MIDBRAIN (Part of Brainstem)
Connects forebrain with hindbrain.
Contains visual and auditory reflex centers.
Main Functions:
- Controls reflex movements of eyes and head in response to light and sound.
- Helps in motor control and coordination.
- Involved in visual and auditory processing.
5. CEREBELLUM (Part of Hindbrain)
Located below the cerebrum and behind the brainstem.
Contains two hemispheres.
Main Functions:
- Maintains balance and posture.
- Coordinates smooth and accurate voluntary movements.
- Controls fine motor skills (writing, buttoning shirt).
- Stores learned motor activities (e.g., riding a bicycle).
6. PONS (Part of Hindbrain/Brainstem)
Located above the medulla and below the midbrain.
Acts as a bridge between different parts of the brain.
Main Functions:
- Helps regulate breathing rhythm.
- Connects cerebrum and cerebellum.
- Involved in facial expressions, chewing, and swallowing.
- Carries sensory signals to the brain.
7. MEDULLA OBLONGATA (Part of Hindbrain)
Lowest part of the brain, continues as spinal cord.
Vital for life-sustaining functions.
Main Functions:
- Controls involuntary activities like:
- Heart rate
- Breathing
- Blood pressure
- Digestion
- Sneezing, coughing, swallowing, vomiting
- Connects brain to spinal cord for nerve signal transmission.
SUMMARY TABLE
Brain Part | Function Summary
------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------
Cerebrum | Voluntary actions, thinking, memory, senses
Hypothalamus | Hunger, thirst, temp, hormones, emotions
Thalamus | Relay for senses, sleep, consciousness
Midbrain | Reflexes of eyes/ears, motor control
Cerebellum | Balance, coordination, motor skills
Pons | Breathing, connects brain areas, facial actions
Medulla Oblongata | Involuntary actions: heart, lungs, digestion
