- Cerebrum is the largest and most complex part of the human brain, responsible for higher cognitive functions such as thinking, learning, memory, language, and conscious perception.
- It is divided into two cerebral hemispheres (left and right) connected by a bundle of nerve fibers called the corpus callosum, which enables communication between the two hemispheres.
- Cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the cerebrum, composed of folded gray matter.
- It contains billions of neurons and is responsible for the higher cognitive functions.
- The folding of the cortex into ridges (gyri) and grooves (sulci) increases the surface area, allowing for a greater number of neurons to be packed into the cortex.
The cerebrum is divided into four main lobes, each associated with specific functions:
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1. Frontal lobe:
- Located at the front of the brain, the frontal lobe is involved in a variety of cognitive processes, including:
- Executive functions, such as planning, organizing, problem-solving, and decision-making.
- Motor control, through the primary motor cortex, which controls voluntary muscle movement.
- Speech production, via Broca’s area, which is essential for the formation of words and grammar.
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2. Parietal lobe:
- Positioned behind the frontal lobe, the parietal lobe is primarily responsible for processing sensory information from the body, including:
- Touch, temperature, and pain perception, through the primary somatosensory cortex.
- Spatial awareness and coordination, which helps us understand the position of our body and objects in our environment.
3. Temporal lobe:
- Located on the sides of the brain, the temporal lobe is involved in several key functions, such as:
- Auditory processing and interpretation, through the primary auditory cortex.
- Memory formation and consolidation, particularly in the hippocampus.
- Language comprehension, via Wernicke’s area, which is crucial for understanding spoken and written language.
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4. Occipital lobe:
- Located at the back of the brain, the occipital lobe is primarily responsible for processing visual information, including:
- Recognition and interpretation of visual stimuli, through the primary visual cortex.
- Processing of visual features such as color, motion, and shape.
- Each hemisphere of the cerebrum is also associated with the control and processing of sensory and motor functions on the opposite side of the body.
- For example, the left hemisphere controls movement and receives sensory input from the right side of the body, and vice versa.
