Brain Anatomy Facts
The human brain weighs only three pounds, but controls almost everything we do. Neurologists and neuroscientists work constantly to elucidate the most minute structures of brain anatomy. Basic brain anatomy, though, can be understood through knowledge of a few of the brain's most important components.
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Cerebrum
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The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is associated with higher functions and thought. The cerebrum consists of four lobes: the parietal lobe, frontal lobe, temporal lobe and occipital lobe. Deep folds cover the surface of the cerebrum to increase the surface area available for activity. The cerebrum is divided into right and left hemispheres that are connected by a bundle of axons (nerve cell extensions) called the corpus callosum.
Cerebellum
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The cerebellum, located at the back of the brain, also contains two hemispheres and a deeply folded surface. The cerebellum helps to maintain posture and balance and to coordinate voluntary muscle movements.
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Brainstem
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The brainstem contains the brain structures necessary for basic life functions like breathing, controls involuntary muscle movements like sneezing and relays sensory information to the higher brain. The primary anatomy of the brainstem consists of the midbrain, pons and medulla.
Limbic System
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The limbic system is responsible for emotions and processing smells. The limbic system includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus and amygdala.
Cells
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Two types of cells make up most of the brain anatomy. Neurons, or nerve cells, transmit information from one part of the body to another. Glial cells provide a support system for the neurons and, according to the Dr. Bruce D. Perry of the Child Trauma Institute, they constitute 90 percent of the brain's cells.
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