Anatomy of the brain

Do you know which parts of your brain control the different functions in your body? This page explains what the different parts of your brain do.

Frontal lobe

The frontal lobe is where we control our body movement and how we express ourselves. This part of the brain allows us to speak. Our personality also grows and develops here. It is also where we solve problems and do most of our learning. It allows us to organise and plan.

Occipital lobe

The occipital lobe receives messages from the eyes and recognises shapes, colours and objects. This bit of the brain allows you to tell the difference between a square and a triangle. It also controls your eye movements.

Parietal lobe

The parietal lobe gives you a sense of 'me'. It figures out the messages you receive from the five senses of sight, touch, smell, hearing and taste. This part of the brain tells you what is part of the body and what is part of the outside world.

Temporal lobe

You have two temporal lobes, one behind each ear. They receive messages from the ears so that you can recognise sound and messages. This part of the brain also recognises speech and is how you understand what someone says to you. It also helps your sense of smell. Your short term memory is also kept here.

Cerebellum

The cerebellum sits at the back of the brain and controls your sense of balance. This allows you to stand up, walk in straight lines, and know if you are standing up or sitting down.

Brain stem

The brain stem controls your lungs and heart and blood pressure. It sits at the top of the spine and receives messages from the rest of the body. In some ways this is the most important part of the brain because it keeps you alive. Hurting this part of the brain is very serious.

Ventricles

The ventricles make the cerebro spinal fluid (CSF) that protect and cushion the brain and spinal cord. CSF also helps to keep the brain healthy and working properly.

Thalamus

There are lots of interesting things that go on in the very middle of the brain, which is made of smaller parts known as the limbic system. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland control things like your body temperature, how fast you grow and tells you when you are thirsty.

The information on this page is taken from www.aboutbraininjury.org.uk, the Brain and Spine Foundation website for children and young people affected by acquired brain injury.