Brain Anatomy

The human brain is the most complex part of our body and the organ that defines our humanity. The brain is composed of three major sections: The cerebrum, cerebellum and the brainstem.

The cerebrum is the uppermost and largest part of the brain. It is split by a central fissure into the right and left hemispheres and is also divided into four major lobes. The cerebrum controls several functions such as learning, emotions and movement, just to name a few.

The cerebellum is situated underneath the cerebrum and is used to coordinate our movements, posture and balance. The cerebellum is found below the temporal and occipital lobes and it is the largest structure of our hindbrain. The cerebellum is broken up into three lobes: the flocculonodular lobe, anterior lobe and posterior lobe.

The brainstem connects the brain to and is structurally continuous with the spinal cord. It is responsible for involuntary functions such as breathing, heart rate, sleep cycles, vomiting, digestion, coughing and sneezing and several other autonomic functions. The brainstem consists of the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain.

If you're studying the structure and function of the brain, our professionally illustrated anatomy charts and posters are perfect for visual learners. These full-colour resources are ideal for classrooms, clinics, or home study spaces - supporting students, teachers, and medical professionals alike in grasping the essentials of the anatomy of the brain.

The brain is made up of four lobes: the frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital lobe. 

• The frontal lobe is the largest lobe of the brain, located directly behind the forehead. It is responsible for your self-awareness, emotions, planning, judgement, movement and speech. It is involved with memory, impulse control and social behaviour. The frontal lobe is separated from the parietal lobe by the central sulcus, and separated from the temporal lobes by the lateral sulcus.
  
  
• The parietal lobe is located above the temporal lobe and between the frontal lobe and occipital lobe. Containing the sensory cortex, it is responsible for sense of touch, pain and temperature. It is also responsible for interpreting language, hearing, memory and spatial and visual perception.
  
  
• The temporal lobes are the second largest lobes of the brain, located behind the ears. They are involved with memory, hearing, organisation and understanding language.
  
  
• The occipital lobe is the smallest lobe of the brain, located posterior to the parietal and temporal lobes, lying beneath the occipital bone of the skull. It is responsible for interpreting vision.

We also offer an excellent selection of anatomical brain models. These include detailed representations of the brain's lobes, arteries and nerves, ideal for practising identification or demonstrating function. Whether you're revising for an exam or explaining a concept in a clinical setting, these models make abstract anatomy tangible and easier to understand.

The main blood supply to the brain comes from the carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries. The carotid arteries branch off from the aorta (the largest artery in your body found by the heart) and is broken into the internal and external carotid artery. The internal carotid artery and the vertebral arteries come together to form an anastomosis, a complex network of blood vessels which provide an alternative route for blood to move through if injury to the brain occurs. This particular anastomosis is called the circle of Willis.

The circle of Willis is found on the inferior (bottom) side of the brain and is responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to more than 80% of the cerebrum. It is composed of the anterior cerebral arteries, anterior communicating artery, internal carotid arteries, posterior cerebral arteries, and posterior communicating arteries.

• The brain is the central organ of our nervous system, consisting of 12 pairs of cranial nerves. The 12 cranial nerves are as follows:
  
  
• I. Olfactory nerve – Conveys sensory information related to your sense of smell.
  
  
• II. Optic nerve – Relays visual information to the brain.
  
  
• III. Oculomotor nerve – Controls eye movements, pupil constriction and lens adjustment.
  
  
• IV. Trochlear nerve – Moves the eye downward and inward via the superior oblique muscle.
  
  
• V. Trigeminal nerve – The largest cranial nerve, responsible for facial sensation and chewing.
  
  
• VI. Abducens nerve – Controls outward movement of the eye through the lateral rectus muscle.
  
  
• VII. Facial nerve – Involved with facial expressions, taste and sensation around the ear.
  
  
• VIII. Vestibulocochlear nerve – Maintains balance and processes hearing.
  
  
• IX. Glossopharyngeal nerve – Controls swallowing, gag reflex and taste on the back of the tongue.
  
  
• X. Vagus nerve – Regulates heart rhythm, digestion, and sensations from the throat and abdomen.
  
  
• XI. Accessory nerve – Moves the shoulders and neck.
  
  
• XII. Hypoglossal nerve – Controls tongue movement.

Understanding anatomy can be far more effective with high quality visual tools. Our range of anatomical models, posters and revision guides allow students and professionals to deepen their understanding through visual and tactile learning. Whether you're preparing for an exam, teaching a class, or working in a clinical setting, our resources provide a practical and engaging way to study human anatomy.