What Are the 3 Main Parts of the Human Brain? Discover the Basics

The Human Brain: A Complex and Fascinating Organ

Well, if you’ve ever wondered how our brain works, you’re not alone. The human brain is a powerful and intricate organ, and understanding its basic structure can give us insights into how we think, feel, and function. Actually, I’ve always been fascinated by the brain and how it controls everything we do. When I first started studying neuroscience, it amazed me how complex yet structured the brain is.

The human brain has three main parts that are crucial for different functions, and these parts work together to make us who we are. Let’s dive into each of them, so you can get a better understanding of how your brain operates.

1. The Cerebrum: The Largest Part of the Brain

What does the cerebrum do?

Honestly, the cerebrum is the most prominent part of the brain, and it’s what people usually think of when they imagine the brain. This part is responsible for many of our most complex activities. It’s where all the thinking, decision-making, and processing of sensory information takes place. It’s also where our emotions are controlled.

When I think of the cerebrum, I remember how I first learned about its division into two hemispheres: the left and right. The left hemisphere is generally associated with logic, math, and language, while the right hemisphere deals with creativity, spatial abilities, and recognizing faces. It's fascinating how these two sides complement each other.

Divisions within the cerebrum: The lobes

The cerebrum is divided into four main lobes, each responsible for different functions:

• Frontal lobe: Controls reasoning, movement, and problem-solving.
• Parietal lobe: Processes sensory information like touch, temperature, and pain.
• Occipital lobe: Mainly responsible for vision.
• Temporal lobe: Handles auditory processing and memory.

I remember being surprised to learn how much the frontal lobe affects personality and decision-making. It’s like the brain’s “executive center,” influencing how we behave in social situations.

2. The Cerebellum: The Brain’s Balance Center

The role of the cerebellum

Honestly, I used to overlook the cerebellum until I understood how essential it is. This part of the brain is located at the back and below the cerebrum, and it’s primarily responsible for coordination and balance. Without the cerebellum, simple tasks like walking, writing, or even just sitting upright would be incredibly difficult.

It’s crazy to think that something so small, about 10% of the brain’s total weight, controls so much. The cerebellum fine-tunes our movements, making them smooth and coordinated. It’s also involved in motor learning, like when you’re learning to ride a bike or play a musical instrument.

Personal experience with coordination

I’ll never forget when I first tried learning to ride a skateboard. The initial falls were brutal, but over time, my cerebellum helped me improve my balance and coordination. Now, I can skate much better, and I owe it all to the brain's ability to adapt and refine movements.

3. The Brainstem: The Brain’s Lifeline

What does the brainstem control?

The brainstem is a vital part of the brain that connects the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord. It’s responsible for controlling the basic functions that keep us alive, such as heart rate, breathing, and swallowing. Without the brainstem, we wouldn’t be able to survive even a few minutes.

I remember a conversation with a friend who’s a doctor, and he was explaining how the brainstem is crucial for survival. It's amazing to think that this small part of the brain manages some of the most essential life-supporting functions.

Parts of the brainstem

The brainstem itself has three parts: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata. Each of these controls different functions:

• Midbrain: Deals with vision, hearing, and motor control.
• Pons: Links the cerebellum and the cerebrum and helps with sleep and breathing.
• Medulla oblongata: Controls essential functions like heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

Conclusion: A Harmonious System

Actually, when you look at how these three parts of the brain work together, it’s pretty incredible. The cerebrum handles thought and movement, the cerebellum keeps you balanced, and the brainstem ensures you stay alive by managing the essential functions of life. These three components, working in harmony, are what allow us to think, feel, move, and survive.

I think we often take for granted how efficiently these parts of the brain work together. It's mind-blowing to think about the complexity of our brain and how it manages everything, from our highest thoughts to our simplest actions. So, next time you reflect on how you function, remember, it's all thanks to your brain’s three main parts working seamlessly.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.