Brain anatomy in 3D
The brain sits inside the skull and divides into the cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem. It is the centre of the nervous system, taking in sensation and governing thought, memory and movement. The cerebrum divides into left and right hemispheres joined by the corpus callosum. The brain is wrapped in three layers of meninges, from outside in the dura mater, arachnoid mater and pia mater, and floats in cerebrospinal fluid in the space beneath the arachnoid.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the brain?
The brain sits inside the skull and divides into the cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem.
What does the brain do?
It is the centre of the nervous system, taking in sensation and governing thought, memory and movement.
Which body system does the brain belong to?
The brain belongs to the nervous system. The nervous system divides into the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nerves that branch out from it to the whole body.
What membranes cover the brain?
Three layers of meninges: from outside in, the dura mater, arachnoid mater and pia mater. Cerebrospinal fluid fills the space between the arachnoid and the pia.
Parts of the brain
- Frontal lobe: The front of the cerebrum, behind the forehead. It takes part in planning, judgement and starting movement.
- Parietal lobe: Beneath the crown of the head. It gathers body sensation and helps place things in space.
- Temporal lobe: Behind the temples. It processes sound and takes part in language and memory.
- Occipital lobe: At the back of the head. It processes what the eyes take in.
- Cerebellum: Below and behind the cerebrum. It keeps balance and smooths movement.
- Brainstem: The stalk joining brain and spinal cord. It regulates basics such as breathing and heartbeat.
- Hippocampus: Deep inside the temporal lobe. It takes part in forming new memories.
- Thalamus: At the centre of the brain. It relays sensory signals on to the cerebrum.
- Corpus callosum: The bundle of nerve fibres joining the left and right hemispheres.
Other organs
By body system
By region
Read more
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Once the 3D model loads you can turn it and select each part.