Interactive Brain

Brain Basics

Introduction

The brain is incredibly complex. Here we'll show you the major parts, where they are located, and some of what they are responsible for. 

You can hover over the brain image to highlight different parts, and click them to see a description of that part, or tab through the slideshow controls to navigate to different brain parts.

The description of a part will include what might happen when it is injured. Please keep in mind that brain injuries can be as complex as the brain itself. A blow to one part of the head can potentially cause damage to the opposite side or even throughout the brain.

Parietal Lobe

Located behind the frontal lobes, the parietal lobes:

• integrate sensory information from various parts of the body
• contain the primary sensory cortex, which controls sensation (touch, hot or cold, pain)
• tell us which way is up
• help to keep us from bumping into things when we walk

Problems After Injury

Damage to the parietal lobes may result in:

• an inability to locate parts of your body
• an inability to recognize parts of your body

Occipital Lobe

Located at the lower back of the head, the occipital lobes:

• receive and process visual information
• contain areas that help in perceiving shapes and colors

Problems After Injury

Damage to the occipital lobes can cause:

• visual field defects
• distorted perceptions of size, color, and shape

Brain Stem

Located at the base of the brain, the brainstem is composed of the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla. It regulates basic involuntary functions necessary for survival such as:

• breathing
• heart rate
• blood pressure
• swallowing

It also plays a role in alertness and sensation.

Problems After Injury

Injury to the brainstem can disrupt basic functions so that they are no longer regulated automatically. These functions can include:

• heart rate
• breathing
• swallowing

Pituitary Gland

Located at the base of the brain, the pituitary gland:

• regulates and releases important hormones to our body
• plays a big part of our overall well-being

Injury to the pituitary gland may affect:

• growth in children
• blood pressure
• fatigue
• depression
• sex drive
• body temperature
• pain

Hippocampus

The hippocampus is located in the medial temporal lobe. The cells in the hippocampus are hypersensitive to oxygen loss or lower blood flow in the case of a brain injury. The hippocampus:

• is responsible for memory creation and retention
• helps us create new memories
• helps us orient ourselves in our surroundings
• facilitates our ability to navigate and find our way around the world

Injury to the hippocampus may affect:

• new memory creation
• new memory retention
• mood
• confusion
• disorientation