Brain. Gross clinical specimen of a human brain seen from the side, with the front of the brain at right. The brain is the nerve centre controlling bodily function and thought. It interprets nerve signals from the body and initiates appropriate responses. Most of the visible surface consists of the folds (sulci) of the cerebral cortex, the area responsible for conscious movement, language and memory. Two other structures are partially seen at the rear base of the brain: the cerebellum (lower left) controls balance, posture and muscular co- ordination; the brainstem (right of cerebellum) controls subconscious functions like breathing. It connects to the spinal cord (not seen).