What Are the Parts of the Brain?
The brain is one of the most fascinating organs in the human body. It lets you think, feel, move, and learn. But the brain isn’t just one big blob—it’s made up of many important parts, each with its own job. Understanding these parts can help you see how the brain works like a team of specialists.
The average adult brain weighs about 3 pounds and contains around 86 billion neurons [1]. Even though it’s small, it’s powerful and always working—even when you sleep!
🔍Dive Deeper
- What Are the Main Parts of the Brain?
- 🧠 Cerebrum: The Thinking Giant
- 🎯 Cerebellum: The Balance Boss
- 🔌 Brainstem: The Life Support System
- 🧩 A Closer Look at Brain Lobes
- 📈 Brain Facts and Stats
- 🎯 Final Thoughts
- 📚 References
What Are the Main Parts of the Brain?
Scientists usually divide the brain into three main parts, each with its own purpose:
| Part of the Brain | Location | Main Function |
|---|---|---|
| Cerebrum | Top, largest section | Thinking, memory, senses, movement |
| Cerebellum | Back, under the cerebrum | Balance, coordination, fine motor skills |
| Brainstem | Base, connects to spinal cord | Breathing, heartbeat, automatic functions |
Each of these parts works together like teammates in a game. Let’s take a closer look.
🧠 Cerebrum: The Thinking Giant
The cerebrum is the biggest part of the brain. It makes up about 85% of the brain’s weight [2]! It’s where most thinking and problem-solving happens.
Main jobs of the cerebrum:
- Solving math problems
- Speaking and listening
- Controlling muscles for movement
- Remembering birthdays and facts
The cerebrum is split into two halves called hemispheres—left and right. Each side controls the opposite side of the body. The left hemisphere often controls language and logic, while the right helps with creativity and emotion.
🎯 Cerebellum: The Balance Boss
The cerebellum (say “seh-ruh-BELL-um”) is smaller but mighty. It sits under the cerebrum at the back of your head. Even though it’s only about 10% of the brain’s volume, it holds over 50% of the brain’s neurons [3]!
What the cerebellum helps you do:
- Stand up straight
- Walk without falling
- Kick a soccer ball smoothly
- Use hand-eye coordination
Without your cerebellum, you’d have a hard time moving gracefully!
🔌 Brainstem: The Life Support System
The brainstem connects your brain to your spinal cord, and it’s responsible for many of your body’s automatic functions—things you don’t have to think about.
What the brainstem controls:
- Breathing
- Heartbeat
- Blood pressure
- Digestion
- Reflexes
It’s like your body’s autopilot system. If your brainstem stops working, basic life functions shut down.
🧩 A Closer Look at Brain Lobes
The cerebrum has four main lobes that each handle different jobs.
| Lobe | Location | Main Functions |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal Lobe | Front | Thinking, planning, movement, decision-making |
| Parietal Lobe | Top-middle | Touch, pressure, spatial awareness |
| Temporal Lobe | Sides (near ears) | Hearing, language, memory |
| Occipital Lobe | Back | Vision |
Each lobe is like a mini-office with its own role in brain business.
📈 Brain Facts and Stats
⚡ Neurons in the human brain can fire up to 200 times per second.
🧠 The brain uses about 20% of the body’s total energy.
🧊 It feels no pain because it has no pain receptors.
🗺️ The cerebral cortex (the outer layer) is about the size of a large dinner napkin if unfolded.
Even though the brain looks wrinkly, that folded surface gives it more space for thinking!
🎯 Final Thoughts
What are the parts of the brain? The brain is more than just one big blob. It’s a collection of specialized parts that all work together to make you move, think, feel, and survive. From the giant cerebrum to the small but powerful brainstem, each part plays an important role in your everyday life.
Learning about the parts of the brain helps you see how your body functions and why it’s so important to protect your brain with sleep, nutrition, and safety (like wearing a helmet!).
📚 References
- Azevedo, F. A., et al. (2009). “Equal numbers of neuronal and nonneuronal cells make the human brain an isometrically scaled-up primate brain.” Journal of Comparative Neurology, https://doi.org/10.1002/cne.21974
- KidsHealth. “Brain and Nervous System.” Nemours. https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/brain.html
- BrainFacts.org. “How Does the Cerebellum Work?” https://www.brainfacts.org/brain-anatomy-and-function/anatomy/2018/how-does-the-cerebellum-work-020818
- NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Brain Basics.” https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/patient-caregiver-education/brain-basics
📌Learn More About the Nervous System
- What Organs Are Part of the Nervous System?
- What Are the Functions of the Brain?
- What Are the Parts of the Brain?
- Why Is the Brain So Wrinkly?
- What Are Neurons and How Do They Work?