Different Areas of the Human Brain

The human brain is complex in its structure and functions. An adult human brain weighs about 3 pounds, according to The Medical News. The brain is also soft like gelatin and pinkish-beige on the exterior. Despite its small size and weight, the brain controls all functions of the body. Different areas of the brain control emotions, muscle functions and speech. Damage to any part of the brain affects important daily functions.

Left Hemisphere

• The left hemisphere of the brain controls all forms of communication, according to research from Simon Fraser University. When there is damage to the left hemisphere from an accident or stroke, problems arise in speaking ability. Aphasia is the medical term used to describe the effects of damage to the left hemisphere of the brain. Aphasia causes complications in mouth movements, which hinders speech. The left hemisphere also controls movement of the body that we use to communicate, like hand gestures.

Right Hemisphere

• Simon Fraser University's Department of Psychology states that the right hemisphere of the brain does not control communication. This region of the brain specializes in analyzing and understanding information. The right hemisphere makes sense of what we see in the world and what we hear. Damage to this area of the brain may result in difficulty to identify a face or locate an object in a room.

Frontal Lobe

• The frontal lobes in each hemisphere are what we use to plan our actions. This portion of the brain controls thinking, planning and central executive functions, according to research from the University of Michigan. The frontal lobe controls problem solving, creative thought, intellect, judgment and initiative. The frontal lobe is responsible for skilled muscle movement and some motor skills. Libido or sexual urges are also produced in the frontal lobe.

Temporal Lobe

• The temporal lobe is in the lower part of each hemisphere. This part of the brain analyses auditory input. It processes sounds we hear to make sense of them and gives us the ability to determine how near or far a sound is coming from. Hearing a sound or song from the past causes this portion of the brain to respond with memories. The temporal lobe controls long-term memory and emotion. EnchantedLearning.com states that fear is produced in the temporal lobe of the brain.

Occipital Lobe

• The occipital lobe controls visual perception and processing, according to NeuroSkills.com. Because of its location in the back of the brain, it is not highly vulnerable to injury. However, severe damage to the brain could result in damage to the visual system in the occipital lobe. Visual hallucinations occur from lesions to the occipital lobe. Objects may appear larger or small than they actually are. Objects may also lack color when the occipital lobe is damaged.

Parietal Lobe

• The Centre for Neuro Skills states that the parietal lobe is near the back and top of the head. This region of the brain integrates different senses for understanding of a single concept. Sensation and perception are the main functions of the parietal lobe. People with damage to this region of the brain show abnormalities in body image and spatial relations. They may see themselves differently then the rest of the world.