Function of Brain Parts

The brain is one of the largest and most complex organs in the body. Brain function will remain optimal if the intricate parts of the body's organs are well preserved. Just imagine, this one organ consists of more than 100 billion nerves. Hundreds of billions of these nerves communicate with each other in trillions of connections called synapses. Brain function can be divided according to its parts. Below is a breakdown of the functions of each part of the brain.

Function of Brain Parts

• Big brain

Called the cerebrum because this part is the largest part of the brain. The large brain is divided into two, namely the left brain and right brain. The cerebrum alias brain consists of several parts or lobes, namely frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital. These parts have specific functions. The frontal lobe is responsible for the brain's function as a problem solver, thinking, organizing plans, concentration, to regulate body movements (motor function). The temporal lobe has the responsibility of managing memory and hearing, and capturing the emotions of others. For the parietal lobe, its function is to be responsible for sensations from the senses, body position, and writing. Meanwhile, the responsibility of the occipital lobe is to regulate the human vision system.

• Small brain

The cerebellum, commonly called the cerebellum, is located in the back and is under the cerebrum. This section is only one-eighth the size of the cerebrum. Although small in size, but its function is no less important. The function of the cerebellum is to control the balance, movement, and coordination of the body. Thanks to this part of the brain, a person can stand upright, walk in balance, and move swiftly.

• Brain stem

The brain stem is in front of the cerebellum and below the cerebrum. This part connects the brain to the spinal cord. The responsibilities of this section are closely related to the function of sustaining life. Respiratory regulation, food digestion, circulation and blood pressure are tasks that are managed by this part of the brain. The brain stem is also responsible for bodily reflexes. This section is divided into several parts, namely the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

• Diensefalon

This part is in the cerebrum just above the brain stem. The function of this section is as a person in charge of sensory functions, appetite control, body temperature regulation, and sleep cycles. The thalamus, hypothalamus and epithalamus are the three diensefalon parts.

• Basal Ganglia

All coordination functions in the brain require basal ganglia. The existence of this section functions to manage messages to be conveyed or sent between several parts of the brain. Basal ganglia itself is a group of structures that surround a portion of the thalamus in the brain.

Luckily the brain is protected by various layers so that its function can be maintained. The outermost layer that protects the brain is the skull bones. Under the skull there are meninges or the lining of the brain which is a sturdy membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. In meninges itself, there are brain fluids that function to reduce injury, nourish brain cells and spinal nerves, and carry metabolic waste products from the brain. Although it has been protected by a variety of safeguards above, the brain could have been damaged resulting in impaired brain function. Damage to the brain can be in the form of physical injury or due to rupture of blood vessels that supply the brain, for example due to stroke. In addition, various diseases and disorders can also occur in the brain, including infections, cancer, electrolyte disorders, alcohol and drug poisoning, kidney failure, and severe liver function disorders. For optimal brain function, protect your head when driving, working, exercising, or doing activities, do brain exercises, and live a healthy lifestyle. If there are signs of symptoms that refer to impaired brain function, such as muscle weakness or paralysis, seizures, severe headaches or migraines that do not go away, or decreased consciousness, consult a doctor immediately.