Differentiate between the unique functions of the different lobes of the brain.

Frontal Lobe

The frontal lobe is found in the front of the cortex, which is just behind your forehead. Emotions, personality, speaking, planning, judging, and some muscle movements are influenced by the thinking in the frontal lobe. The story of Phineas Gage becomes even clearer when you discover that the frontal lobe plays a major role in goal-setting and decision-making. It also plays a huge role in our emotional expression. After his accident, Gage had a great loss of interest in work, and he had a difficult time keeping his emotions in check. Frontal lobotomies (surgical removal of portions of the frontal lobe) were once used to decrease the “uncontrollable” nature of violent criminals. At the back of the frontal lobe is the motor strip, which influences all body movement.

Occipital Lobe

The occipital lobe is found all of the way at the back of your head, directly behind your eyes. This lobe receives and interprets visual (optical) information. The visual cortex is found in the occipital lobe.

Temporal Lobe

The temporal lobe is found just above your ears near your temples. This lobe’s primary job is to receive and interpret what your ears hear. In addition, memories may be permanently stored in this lobe. The auditory cortex is found at the top of the temporal lobe.

Parietal Lobe

The parietal lobe is above the temporal lobe and between the frontal and the occipital lobes. Physical coordination, balance, touch, and body position are influenced by this lobe. There is some evidence to support the observation that this lobe functions to consolidate and coordinate with other lobes. If this is true, the parietal lobe is the “head of the brain” just like a parent is the “head of the house.” For this reason, the parietal lobe could be called the parental lobe. At the front of the parietal lobe is the sensory strip, which influences all sensations in your body.