■ Human Brain – Control and Coordination (Class
10)
The human brain is the main coordinating centre of the body. It is a part of the central nervous
system (CNS) and lies inside the skull, protected by the cranium (bony box) and surrounded by
three protective membranes called meninges. The space between the meninges is filled with a fluid
called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which cushions the brain against mechanical shocks.
■ Main Divisions of the Human Brain
The human brain is divided into three major parts:
1. Forebrain
2. Midbrain
3. Hindbrain
■ 1. Forebrain (Prosencephalon)
The forebrain is the largest and most developed part of the human brain. It performs complex
functions such as intelligence, memory, reasoning, and voluntary actions.
Major Parts of the Forebrain:
(a) Cerebrum
(b) Thalamus
(c) Hypothalamus
(a) Cerebrum
Structure:
• Divided into two cerebral hemispheres (left and right), connected by a structure called the corpus
callosum.
• Surface has folds or grooves to increase surface area.
• Made of grey matter (outer cortex) and white matter (inner medulla).
Functions:
• Centre for voluntary actions (walking, writing, talking).
• Responsible for intelligence, memory, conscious thoughts, problem solving, and learning.
• Receives sensory impulses from various sense organs.
• Processes sensory information and generates appropriate motor responses.
■ Example: If you touch a hot object, the cerebrum helps you understand the pain and voluntarily
move your hand away.
(b) Thalamus – Acts as a relay station. Relays sensory information from sense organs to the
cerebrum for interpretation.
(c) Hypothalamus – Controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, emotions, and regulates pituitary
gland, maintaining homeostasis.
■ 2. Midbrain (Mesencephalon)
Located between the forebrain and hindbrain. Controls reflex movements of the head and neck in
response to visual and auditory stimuli. Helps in passing motor and sensory impulses between
forebrain and hindbrain.
■ 3. Hindbrain (Rhombencephalon)
This part lies below the cerebellum and is responsible for basic life-sustaining functions such as
breathing and heart rate.
Parts of Hindbrain:
(a) Cerebellum – Maintains posture and balance, coordinates voluntary muscular movements.
(b) Pons – Acts as a bridge, involved in breathing regulation.
(c) Medulla Oblongata – Controls involuntary activities like heartbeat, breathing, swallowing,
vomiting.
■ Summary Table of Brain Parts and Functions
Part of Brain Location Main Functions
Cerebrum Forebrain Thinking, memory, voluntary actions, sensory interpretation
Hypothalamus Below thalamus Hunger, emotions, endocrine control
Thalamus Between cerebrum & midbrain Relay sensory information
Midbrain Between forebrain & hindbrain Reflex actions of eyes & ears
Cerebellum Hindbrain Balance, coordination
Pons Above medulla Breathing, bridge
Medulla Oblongata Bottom of brain Heartbeat, breathing, vomiting
■ Mnemonics (Memory Tricks)
• Cerebrum – "Smart Brain" (controls thinking)
• Hypothalamus – "Hungry Hypo Hippo" (controls hunger)
• Midbrain – "Middle man for senses" (reflexes)
• Cerebellum – "Balance Bell" (balance and movement)
• Pons – "Bridge Pons" (acts as a bridge)
• Medulla – "Medal for automatic control" (involuntary tasks)
■ Labeled Diagram of Human Brain
■ Self-Test Questions
1. Name the three main parts of the human brain.
2. Which part of the brain controls posture and balance?
3. What is the function of the medulla oblongata?
4. Which part regulates hunger and thirst?
5. Write two functions of the cerebrum.
