Lesson 1 of 13 · about 6 minutes

The big picture

Cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem.

In the 3D app, the brain flies to each part as you read, and 3 quick questions at the end help it stick. Here is the whole lesson to read.

1
Three big parts
Your brain has three main parts. The wrinkled cerebrum on top does the thinking, the cerebellum at the back fine-tunes movement, and the brainstem underneath keeps you alive and links everything to the body.
More about the human brain →
2
Frontal lobe: the planner
Behind your forehead, the frontal lobe plans, decides, keeps your behavior in check and moves your body. It is the largest lobe.
More about the frontal lobe →
3
Parietal lobe: touch and space
On top toward the back, the parietal lobe feels touch and keeps track of where your body and the things around you are.
More about the parietal lobe →
4
Temporal lobe: sound and memory
Along the side, above your ear, the temporal lobe hears, understands words, recognizes faces and helps store memories.
More about the temporal lobe →
5
Occipital lobe: vision
At the very back of your head, the occipital lobe is where seeing happens.
More about the occipital lobe →
6
Cerebellum: the little brain
Tucked under the back of the brain, the cerebellum holds most of your neurons and makes every movement smooth and well timed.
More about the cerebellum →
7
Brainstem: life support
The brainstem runs your breathing and heartbeat and carries every message between the brain and the body.
More about the brainstem →