Animated model of a human brain, starting with a view of the whole brain with the front at right. The model then explodes to reveal the symmetrical internal structures. At the centre of the base of the brain is the pituitary gland small pink body, which releases hormones concerned with growth, metabolism and reproductive function. It lies below the limbic system grey, which controls emotions, spatial awareness and memory formation. Below the limbic system is the brainstem, through which the brain is connected to the spinal cord and the rest of the body. At the back of the base of the brain is the cerebellum pink, which controls motor control and the learning of movements, amongst other things. The largest parts of the brain are the paired cerebral hemispheres brown, which cover the top part of the brain. Their folded lobes are responsible for conscious thought, speech and other higher functions.