The brain is part of the CNS and controls what the body does. Different regions have different jobs.
- The cerebrum is the largest part, split into two halves. It is used for conscious thought, memory, language, and for voluntary movement and interpreting what the senses detect.
- The cerebellum is at the back, below the cerebrum. It helps control balance and coordinates muscle movement.
- The medulla is at the base of the brain, where it joins the spinal cord. It controls automatic processes such as breathing rate and heart rate.
The hypothalamus monitors body temperature and water content and controls the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland releases hormones that act on other glands, so it is often called the master gland. Together they link the nervous system to the endocrine system.
