The brain is the most important organ in the human body since it is the one responsible for the interpretation of senses, intelligence, controlling behavior and movement. However, most of the neuroscientists have been unable to conclusively determining the relationship between the various parts of the brain and the outward behavior. For instance, many neurosurgeons have used studies on the preferred hand in the prediction of the dominant part of the cerebral hemisphere. According to Weiten and McCann (2013), cerebral hemispheres are identical in appearance. However, they differ significantly in terms of the structure and functions.
The brain lateralization theory depicts that the human brain is divided into two halves with each part of the cerebral hemisphere having specialized functions. For instance, the left hemisphere is responsible for language comprehension and speech production. The right and the left hemispheres are separated by corpus callosum that aids communication between the hemispheres.
The cerebrum which is the largest part of the human brain has brain areas that perform complex mental activities like thinking, remembering, consciousness and learning Weiten and McCann (2013).The cerebral cortex is the outermost part of the cerebrum. The cerebral cortex is always gray in color and folded so as to provide a large surface area for the inclusion of many neurons.
According to Weiten and McCann (2013), motor activities are initiated and coordinated by the frontal lobe. Also, this part of the cerebral cortex is responsible for complex cognitive skills like planning, thinking problem solving and several aspects of emotional and personality makeup.
On the other hand, the parietal lobe is responsible for activities like attention, sensory and language processes. Damages to the right side of the parietal lobe can cause difficulties in navigation while injuries to the left side can impair one’s ability to speak.
The processing of Visual information and recognition of color and shapes which is a critical entity in influencing personality is controlled by the occipital lobe. Furthermore, Weiten and McCann (2013) contend that the temporal lobe is critical in the processing and integration of auditory data from other senses. Besides, 9 0 reiterates that the temporal lobe is of great significance in enhancing the activities of the short-term memory through the learned emotional responses via its amygdala and hippocampal formation (Weiten and McCann (2013).
Other than the cerebral cortex, the forebrain has the basal ganglia that help in the rewarding of the useful behavior and coordination of the muscle movement. Another important part of the forebrain is the thalamus. Weiten and McCann (2013) highlights that, the thalamus has the responsibility of prioritizing sensory information and passing into the cerebral cortex. On the other hand, hypothalamus control activities like self-defense, appetite, sleep and reproductive behaviors.
The midbrain has a collection of neurons called colliculi that help in enhancing auditory and visual reflexes and relays the information to the thalamus. Besides, the midbrain is responsible for the coordination activities in the central nervous system that help in regulation of the mood and the reward mechanisms.
The medulla oblongata and the Pons form the hindbrain and have two hemispheres. This part of the brain controls cognitive processes and movements that require accurate timing and Pavlovian learning.
Recent studies by Weiten and McCann (2013) indicated that the brain is plastic in nature. Brain malleable is the ability of the brain to change its functions and structure. Most of the neurologists contend that exposure to various experiences has an effect on the formation of synapses, metabolic activities, and dendritic length thus making various parts of the brain responds differently. This development has made it difficult for the neurologists to conclusively agree on how various parts of the brain influence personality.
Reference
Weiten, W. and McCann, D. (2013).Psychology: Themes and violations. (4th Canadian edition. Toronto: Nelson.
