Parts of the brain used in studying - study techniques

To master study techniques, it is essential to understand how our brain operates. For this reason, we present a complete topic dedicated to this vital organ. Every part of our body has its importance, and the organism functions as a whole, however, the brain is essential to perform almost any activity. In this lesson, you will learn in a simple way about the different parts of the brain, so you will be able to identify which area is in charge of movements, emotions, memory, among other aspects.

Central Nervous System

The central nervous system is composed of the spinal cord and the brain. The latter is divided into three main areas for study: the cerebellum, the brain stem and the cerebrum. The brainstem controls vital functions such as breathing and heart rate, the cerebellum deals with movement and balance, while the cerebrum regulates more complex functions.

Hemispheres of the brain

You have probably heard of the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Interestingly, these do not regulate the body part functions suggested by their names, but operate in reverse: the left hemisphere coordinates the right part of the body and vice versa.

The functions of the hemispheres are not fixed and may vary from one person to another, although it can generally be observed that the left hemisphere is associated with reasoning, language and technical skills, while the right hemisphere is linked to artistic abilities and imagination.

Lobes of the brain

Now that you know the hemispheres, it is important to mention that each of them is divided into lobes that perform specific functions:

• Frontal lobe: Located behind the forehead, it is associated with problem solving, reasoning, logic and planning.

• Occipital lobe: Located at the back of the head, it is the first point of reception of visual information.

• Parietal lobe: This lobe is located between the two previous lobes and is responsible for processing sensory and visual information coming from the occipital lobe, as well as controlling movements.

• Temporal lobe: Located on the sides of the brain, these lobes are related to language, memory and hearing.

Telencephalon and Diencephalon

The telencephalon includes structures such as the limbic system, hippocampus, basal ganglia and cerebral cortex.

It is the largest part of the brain:

• Basal ganglia: These are responsible for coordinating movement, rapidly processing information from the brainstem and cerebral cortex to execute complex movements such as jumping and clapping, speaking and writing, among others.

• Limbic system: This system is responsible for basic human instincts, such as fear.

• Hippocampus: Located in the cerebral cortex, its function is related to the formation and development of long-term memory, being crucial for learning.

• Cerebral cortex: This is the part of the brain that we imagine when we think about it, it is the layer of folds that we observe. The folds or ridges, known as sulci, are layers of neural tissue. There is no single pattern, but variations between individuals are not significant.

The diencephalon, located in the center of the brain, has varied and important functions: it regulates sensations such as hunger and thirst, controls basic functions such as sleep, coordinates emotions and transmits sensory information to other areas of the brain.

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