Thought, language, behavior, sensory input, and motor control are all cerebrum functions. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is divided into two hemispheres and four lobes. While some cerebrum functions may be ascribed primarily to a certain lobe or hemisphere, the distinct parts of the cerebrum work in conjunction to produce these effects, particularly with more complex cerebrum functions.
The left and right hemispheres act jointly to perform cerebrum functions, although it is believed that each side is dominant in certain tasks. The left hemisphere is associated with language and logic skills, while the right is associated with visual and creative traits. Each hemisphere controls the muscles on the opposite side of the body, meaning the right side of the body is controlled by the left hemisphere, and the left side of the body is controlled by the right hemisphere. Both hemispheres have four lobes: frontal, occipital, parietal, and temporal.
The frontal lobe directs many of the higher cerebrum functions, sometimes known as executive functions, such as thinking, planning, and problem-solving. Other cognitive abilities such as learned behavior, impulse control, concentration, social behavior, and judgment originate here. Mood and personality are also linked to the frontal lobe. Some regions of the frontal lobe coordinate muscle movements. For example, Broca's area in the frontal lobe creates patterns for the movements required for speaking and sends those patterns to other portions of the brain, which then transfer the signals to the muscles.
The occipital lobe of the cerebrum contains the primary visual cortex. Its main functions are to receive optical signals and interpret them into meaningful images. Memory plays a large role in vision, and the occipital lobe helps not just to see an object but also to identify it based on past experience.
The parietal lobe is associated with the sense of touch and the ability to detect and analyze temperature, pain, pressure and vibration. It also assists with the perception of spatial relationships, including a person's awareness of his or her own body, its movements, and its relationship to its surroundings. The parietal lobe also plays a role in the recognition of symbols and affects reading, writing, and drawing abilities.
The temporal lobe processes and gives meaning to auditory and olfactory signals and is crucial to both speaking and understanding language, including word meanings, syntax, and parts of speech. The temporal lobe also organizes or categories the information it receives. In addition to the senses of hearing and scent, long-term memory and emotion are also controlled in part by the temporal lobe.
