Brain Introduction
The central nervous system (CNS) is composed of two major parts, the brain and spinal cord. The primary function of the CNS is to integrate and co-ordinate all bodily functions and behaviour.
The brain is divided into two halves called hemispheres. An outer layer called the cortex covers the hemispheres. The cortex has many folds and convolutions thereby increasing the overall surface area of the brain. The cortex can be divided into areas (or lobes) according to their functions.
Figure 1 - The Brain
Parts of the Brain
Frontal lobe: Involved in planning, initiative and voluntary motor control. The frontal lobe is a highly developed area in humans compared to animals. Damage to the frontal lobe causes lack of insight, spontaneity and an inability to adjust behaviour to a given situation.
Parietal lobe: Involved in sensing and monitoring of body parts. Integrates information from different sensory areas eg pairing up the sight and sound of an object. Damage to the parietal lobe can cause a wide range of difficulties depending on which area is damaged. Paralysis may occur after damage due to physical trauma or a stroke.
Temporal lobe: Involved in hearing, language and memory. Damage to the temporal lobe may cause impairment of any of the functions indicated above.
Occipital lobe: Involved in sight. Damage to the occipital lobe may cause a variety of visual disturbances, depending on where damage occurred.
The Cerebrum -- which is just Latin for "brain" -- is the largest, and the newest, part of the brain as a whole. It is here that things like perception, imagination, thought, judgment, and decision occur. It is associated with co-ordination of motor movements.
Brain PDF Downloads 
