Overview of the Brain's Lobes and Functions

Introduction

• Focus on the cerebral cortex of the brain
• Components: Cerebrum (main focus), Cerebellum, Brain Stem
• Future topics: Cerebellum and Brain Stem

Cerebrum

• Largest part of the brain
• Divided into right and left hemispheres by the longitudinal fissure
• Connected by the corpus callosum for communication
• Functions in executive functioning, motor, and sensory components

Cerebrum Structure

• Folded structure increases surface area
• Gyri: Peaks
• Sulci: Grooves

Cerebral Cortex Lobes

• Outer layer: Gray matter
• Inner layer: White matter

Four Main Lobes

1. Frontal Lobe

   • Location: Front (blue)
   • Functions: Executive actions (mental and physical)
   • Boundaries: Central sulcus, lateral sulcus
   • Mental actions: Problem-solving, motivation, etc.
   • Physical actions: Motor control
   • Key Areas:
     • Pre-central Gyrus: Primary motor cortex
     • Motor Association Cortex: Pre-motor and supplementary motor cortex
     • Frontal Eye Field: Voluntary eye movements
     • Prefrontal Cortex: Executive functioning
     • Broca's Area: Speech production

2. Parietal Lobe

   • Location: Behind the frontal lobe (yellow)
   • Functions: Somatosensory (touch, pain, temperature, etc.)
   • Boundaries: Central sulcus, lateral sulcus, parietal-occipital sulcus
   • Key Areas:
     • Postcentral Gyrus: Primary somatosensory cortex
     • Somatosensory Association Cortex: Analyzing somatic stimuli
     • Posterior Association Area: Combines stimuli for spatial awareness

3. Occipital Lobe

   • Location: Back of the brain
   • Functions: Vision
   • Boundaries: Parietal-occipital sulcus, imaginary preoccipital notch line
   • Key Areas:
     • Primary Visual Cortex: Awareness of visual stimuli
     • Visual Association Cortex: Analyzing visual stimuli

4. Temporal Lobe

   • Location: Side of the brain
   • Functions: Auditory
   • Boundaries: Lateral sulcus, preoccipital notch line
   • Key Areas:
     • Primary Auditory Cortex: Awareness of auditory stimuli
     • Auditory Association Cortex: Analyzing auditory stimuli
     • Wernicke's Area: Language comprehension
     • Olfactory Cortex: Smell

Insular Cortex

• Location: Inside the lateral sulcus
• Functions: Taste, visceral sensation, autonomic control, equilibrium

Limbic Lobe

• Surrounds the corpus callosum
• Part of the limbic system: Learning, memory, emotions, behavior

Tips for Remembering Lobe Functions

• Frontal Lobe: Think of a car engine for executing functions
• Parietal Lobe: Think of "P" for proprioception and pressure
• Occipital Lobe: Use binoculars to remember vision
• Temporal Lobe: Think of the tempo to remember hearing
• Limbic System: Link to love and learning

Feel free to check out the Easy Med blog for more details on these topics!