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The Brain's Major Regions

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Learning Objective

Remember and identify the major regions of the brain and their basic functions (Bloom Level 1 - Remember).

Overview

The human brain is made up of several major regions, each with its own job. Understanding where these regions sit and what they do is the first step to understanding how dementia affects thinking, memory, movement, and behavior. When dementia damages brain tissue, the symptoms a person experiences depend on which regions are affected first.

How to Use This Diagram

Explore Mode — Hover over any numbered marker or label to see a description of that brain region and how dementia can affect it.

Quiz Mode — Click "Quiz" to test your knowledge. Read the hint, then click the correct marker on the brain. Your score is tracked, and a celebration plays when you answer all seven correctly.

The Seven Major Regions

  1. Cerebral Cortex (gray, outer layer) — The brain's outer layer responsible for thinking, planning, and processing information.
  2. Frontal Lobe (blue, front of brain) — Controls decision-making, problem-solving, planning, and personality.
  3. Temporal Lobe (yellow, side of brain) — Processes sound, speech, and memory formation.
  4. Parietal Lobe (green, top of brain) — Processes touch, spatial awareness, and integrates sensory information.
  5. Occipital Lobe (purple, back of brain) — Processes visual information from your eyes.
  6. Hippocampus (orange, inner structure) — Critical for forming new memories and spatial navigation.
  7. Cerebellum (pink, lower back of brain) — Coordinates movement, balance, and posture.