Frontal Lobe
Part of the cortex, the frontal lobe is a key area in the brain involved in memory, problem solving, language, judgment, impulse control, social behavior, and motor function. In a sense, this is where much of our “self” and personality is located. It is also home to executive function — the ability to control and regulate our actions. Broca’s area, which produces speech, is in the frontal lobe.
Temporal Lobe
The temporal lobe works with the frontal lobe on functions of language and memory. It also processes hearing and music. Wernicke’s area, the part of our brain that understands speech, is located here.
Parietal Lobe
The parietal lobe makes sense of our senses. Our sensory information is integrated, spatial judgments are made, and we are able to manipulate the outside world thanks to the processes that take place here.
Occipital lobe
The occipital lobe is the part of the cortex that processes visual information, enabling us to see. Blind people use this area of the brain while reading Braille, and sometimes when processing auditory information.
Cerebellum
The cerebellum is home to our motor skills, muscle coordination, and balance.
Hypothalamus
A bridge between the nervous system and the endocrine system, which regulates hormones in the body, the hypothalamus also controls body temperature and is responsible for sensations of hunger and thirst. An axis formed between the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands controls the body’s response to stress by regulating the hormone cortisol.
Cortisol
If dopamine is a pat on the back, cortisol is a slap in the face. Released by the adrenal glands in times of crisis, it’s often called the stress hormone, and for millions of years it was responsible for keeping people alive in the face of danger. It gives a quick shot of energy, quickens the pulse and increases alertness — a state often called the “fight or flight” response. Unfortunately, such a response is less useful in job interviews, public speaking, test-taking, and other modern situations. Prolonged cortisol release can lower the immune system, impair cognitive performance, cause high blood pressure, and increase abdominal fat — a good reason to lower your stress level.