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Cerebrum

life science Maturity 11-13 Next article →

The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain.

Cerebrum animation small
Cerebrum animation small

It is the top region of the central nervous system. This part of the brain handles many important jobs. It controls your emotions and your personality. It also manages your thoughts and your judgment. The cerebrum is the center for sensory perception. This means it helps you understand the world. It also controls all voluntary actions in the human body. These are movements you choose to make.

How does the cerebrum work? It is divided into two C-shaped halves. These are called the cerebral hemispheres. A deep crack called the longitudinal fissure separates them. The right hemisphere mostly controls the left side of the body. The left hemisphere mostly controls the right side. This happens because of an axial twist in the early embryo. The outer layer is the cerebral cortex. It is made of grey matter. In humans, this layer folds into ridges called gyri. The dips between them are called sulci. These folds increase the surface area of the brain.

Scientists have studied how this part grows. The cerebrum develops before birth from the forebrain. The forebrain is also called the prosencephalon. In mammals, the top part becomes the cerebral cortex. The bottom part becomes the basal ganglia. This structure is found in all vertebrates. Fish and birds have a dorsal telencephalon too. However, birds and fish do not have a layered cortex. Only a layered structure is called a cortex. This makes the mammalian brain very special.

There are many specific parts to learn. The cerebral cortex has four main lobes. These are the frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes. They are named after the bones of the skull. There is also a small part called the insular lobe. It sits deep within a fold called the lateral sulcus. The cerebrum also contains subcortical structures. These include the hippocampus and the olfactory bulb. The olfactory bulb helps you with the sense of smell. The hippocampus is important for making memories.

Your cerebrum connects to things you do every day. It helps you see through the occipital lobe. It helps you hear through the temporal lobe. The parietal lobe helps you feel touch and temperature. Even your speech comes from the cerebral cortex. Two areas called Broca's area and Wernicke's area help with language. One helps you speak and the other helps you understand. The cerebrum is the reason you can learn and remember. It turns many different senses into one single picture.

Lateral surface of cerebral cortex - gyri
Lateral surface of cerebral cortex - gyri
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🖼️ Images & Media (2)
File:Cerebrum animation small.gif
Cerebrum animation small.gif
File:Lateral surface of cerebral cortex - gyri.png
Lateral surface of cerebral cortex - gyri.png
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