Skip the primary navigation if you do not want to read it as the next section.
Skip the main content if you do not want to read it as the next section.
The brain
Inside your head
Our brains lie inside our skull, wrapped in three layers of sheets called the meninges, which help to protect it. In between these sheets is a liquid called cerebrospinal fluid.
This fluid helps to protect and cushion the brain (for example when we shake or nod our head), and even fills the spaces inside the brain itself. The fluid also helps to get oxygen to the brain so that it can function, and helps the brain to send messages around our body.
The cerebrum
The brain is made up of three areas – called the hindbrain, midbrain and forebrain. The biggest and most noticeable part of the brain is an area of the forebrain called the cerebral cortex or cerebrum.
From the outside, the cerebrum looks as if it has lots of folds in it – with peaks (called gyri) and valleys (called sulci). The cerebrum is made up of two halves – the right and left hemispheres – which are separated
by a deep groove or crease. The two hemispheres have some functions that are the same, and some that are different.
Each hemisphere is made up of four areas called lobes. These lobes are the frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital lobes. Each lobe has a different range of
functions.
Frontal lobe
As the name suggests, these are the front parts of the brain – the part behind your forehead. The frontal lobes are involved in the movements you decide to do or ‘voluntary movement’ (for example picking up a cup of tea or walking upstairs) and conscious thought (thinking about what to have for dinner). They are also involved in learning, speech and in your personality.
Temporal lobe
The temporal lobes are the side areas of the brain. The functions of these lobes include making memories and remembering, and emotion (such as feeling happy or sad). They are also involved in speech, hearing and perception (how we see the world around us).
Parietal lobe
The parietal lobes are behind the frontal lobes. They control how we feel and understand sensations, how we judge spatial relationships (such as the distance between two objects) and our co-ordination. These
lobes also help us with reading, writing, and maths. Some involuntary movements we make are also controlled here.
Occipital lobe
The occipital lobes are at the back of the brain, behind the parietal lobes. These lobes control our sense of sight as they receive information from our eyes and makes sense of what we see around us.
Other areas of the brain – under the cerebrum
Under the two hemispheres of the cerebrum is part of the brain called the cerebellum. The cerebellum helps to coordinate and organise all the other parts of the brain to make sure all areas are working together. It is also has an important role in our movement, balance and posture (for example helping us to stand upright when we walk).
Under the cerebrum and cerebellum is the brain stem, which connects the brain to the spine. The brain stem has a vital role – it controls our breathing and heartbeat.
The hippocampus and epilepsy – the seahorse link
Lying in the middle of the brain is part of the temporal lobe called the hippocampus. This part of the brain is involved in learning and in forming memories. If the hippocampus is damaged, it can cause epilepsy in
some people.
The shape of the hippocampus is a little like the shape of a seahorse. In fact the word ‘hippocampus’ is the Latin for seahorse. Because of this link, NSE has adopted the seahorse as its fundraising emblem.
Glossary
Cerebellum: The part of the brain that lies under the cerebrum and coordinates the activity of the other areas of the brain.
Cerebrospinal fluid: ‘Cerebr’ means brain, so this is the brain-spine fluid that surrounds and protects the brain.
Cerebrum: The largest area of the brain, which is made up of two halves.
Gyri: ‘Peaks’ in the surface of the cerebrum.
Meninges: Three layers or membranes that surround the brain. The condition Meningitis is caused by an infection of these meninges.
Sulci: ‘Valleys’ in the surface of the cerebrum.
Temporal, parietal, occipital and frontal lobes: Areas of the cerebrum, each with different functions.
© The National Society for Epilepsy
May 2005
