The folds and ridges accommodated the rapid brain growth humans experienced over years of evolution. It also has ridges (gyri) and folds (sulci). The cerebral cortex is made of grey matter, which is where the brain processes information. Occipital lobe: The occipital lobe interprets visual information and contains the visual cortex.It also interprets other sensory information. Parietal lobe: The parietal lobe processes what a person sees and hears.It also processes memories and emotions and plays a major part in hearing and visual perception. Temporal lobe: The temporal lobe contains the Wernicke area, which is responsible for understanding language.Frontal lobe: This area is responsible for language, motor function, memory, personality, and other cognitive functions.Due to its large surface area, the cerebral cortex accounts for 50% of the brain’s total weight. The cerebral cortex covers the cerebrum and has many folds. If a person experiences trauma to the cerebrum, in particular the frontal lobe, their friends and family may notice changes in their demeanor, mood, and emotions. The cerebrum is responsible for personality. This part of the brain is responsible for many processes, including: The cerebrum is the front part of the brain and includes the cerebral cortex. To do this, it uses billions of nerve cells throughout the CNS. The brain communicates with the majority of the body through the spinal cord. The brain sends chemical and electrical signals throughout the body to regulate different biological functions and sense environmental changes. The brain is composed of three main structures, the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem. It can be particularly difficult to come to terms with the diagnosis, especially if a person can see their loved one breathing and showing signs of life. Brain death is a traumatic experience for everyone involved.

The heart has a separate electrical system from the brain, which is why it still beats for a short while after brain activity stops.ĭoctors will carry out many tests before reaching a diagnosis of brain death. To sustain life, doctors place the person on artificial life support to keep the heart and lungs working. A person can technically be alive after brain death, but they will never regain consciousness. When people damage different parts of the brain, they may notice changes in their personality, movement, vision, sleep, and other important bodily functions.Ī traumatic brain injury or stroke are some conditions that cause brain death. The brain is the command center that controls the nervous system. Share on Pinterest Andriy Onufriyenko/Getty Images

Simple diagrams of brain