Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What is the largest part of the human brain?

1. Cerebellum

2. Cerebrum

3. Brainstem

4. Limbic system

The correct answer is: Cerebrum

The cerebrum is indeed the largest part of the human brain, occupying the majority of its volume and surface area. It is responsible for various higher brain functions, including thought, memory, reasoning, learning, and voluntary motor movements. The cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres and consists of several lobes—frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital—each associated with different functions such as processing sensory information, managing emotions, and controlling movement. In contrast, the cerebellum, while crucial for coordination and balance, is significantly smaller in size compared to the cerebrum. The brainstem, which connects the brain to the spinal cord, plays an essential role in regulating vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure but does not approach the size of the cerebrum. The limbic system, involved in emotions and memory, is also smaller and part of the larger cerebrum structure. Overall, while each region of the brain has unique and critical functions, the cerebrum stands out in size and complexity, working integrally to enable many of the advanced capabilities that define human cognition and behavior.