The Brain for Kids

What weighs about three pounds, uses electrical impulses, and stores unlimited amounts of information or data? Your brain! In this video for kids, you will learn a lot more about this fascinating organ of the human body that is almost like a computer. As the main part of the central nervous system, the brain has lot of important functions. This video will teach you about six parts of the brain and what they do.

The cerebrum is the biggest part of the brain. It makes up about 85% of the brain's weight. It allows us to control voluntary muscles so they can do things like kick a ball, walk down the street, or jump in the air. It also allows us to think. We depend on this important part of the brain when it comes to remembering things as well.

The brain stem, which connects the brain to the spinal cord, is responsible for things like breathing, digesting food, and circulating blood throughout the body. It controls involuntary muscles, which are the muscles that work on their own. For instance, the brain stem tells the heart to pump blood or the stomach muscles to break food down. It is below the cerebrum and in front of the cerebellum. Speaking of the cerebellum, this part of the brain controls balance, movement, and coordination. Without it, you would have trouble moving around.

The other three parts are the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus, and the amygdala. The pituitary gland controls how the body grows by producing and releasing hormones. Without it, you would never grow as you age. The hypothalamus controls the temperature of your body. When it's hot, it tells your body to sweat, and it tells your body to shiver when it's cold. And the amygdala is like the control center for feelings and is responsible for your emotions.