Introduction
Understanding the brain The brain controls and coordinates everything we do: movements, feelings, thoughts, breathing and bodily functions. The brain is made up of billions of nerve cells through which messages are transmitted by a combination of electrical and chemical activity.
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Frontal lobe
Parietal lobe
Temporal lobe Brain stem
Cerebellum
he soft, jelly-like mass of the brain sits inside the skull, cushioned by cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid circulates around the brain and through a series of cavities called ventricles.
The brain is divided into a number of parts, which have specific functions and are designed to work together. The more these parts are coordinated Occipital and in tune with each lobe other, the better the performance.
Left and Right Hemispheres The largest part of the brain (the cortex) is divided into two halves called the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere. The left hemisphere is mainly involved with speech and language (talking, comprehension, reading and writing) and the right hemisphere is mainly involved with visual perception and interpretation of nonverbal information, such as drawing and spatial analysis. Each hemisphere is divided into four lobes.
Frontal Lobes Frontal lobes are involved in problemsolving, planning, making judgments, abstract thinking and regulating how people act upon their emotions and impulses. Marked changes in a person’s personality and social skills can occur from damage to this area.
The motor strip at the back of the frontal lobes controls movement. In the left hemisphere the motor strip controls movement of the right side of the body while in the right hemisphere the motor strip controls movement of the left side of the body.
Temporal Lobes Temporal lobes are involved in receiving and processing auditory information e.g. music and speech, language comprehension, visual perception, organisation and categorisation of information. A major function of the temporal lobes is memory and learning. The temporal lobes are also involved in personality, emotions and sexual behaviour.
Parietal Lobes Parietal lobes are involved in monitoring sensation and body position, understanding time, recognising objects, reading, and judging the position of objects in the environment.
Occipital Lobes Occipital lobes receive, integrate and interpret visual information relating to colour, size, shape and distance.
The Cerebellum The cerebellum is located at the back and below the main hemispheres of the brain. It integrates movement signals to produce fine motor control for co-ordination, precision, and accurate timing.
The Brain Stem The brain stem connects the brain to the spinal cord and regulates wakefulness, breathing, body temperature and heart activity. Cranial nerves are located in the brain stem, which regulate a number of functions such as swallowing, speech and eye movement.
synapse.org.au | Š Brain Injury Association of Queensland | The FACTS 7