Animated model of a human brain, front view moving from below the brain to above it. At the base of the brain at centre is the pituitary gland pink, which is not part of the brain, but is connected to it. The pituitary is a gland that releases hormones concenred with regulating growth, metabolism, reproductive biology and other critical functions. Behind the pituitary gland is the brainstem, which connects the brain to the spinal cord and the rest of the body. At the back of the base of the brain is the cerebellum, which controls motor control and the learning of movements, amongst other things. The main part of the brain, covering the whole upper surface, is the highly_folded cerebrum, which is divided into two hemispheres. The cerebrum contains the structures responsible for conscious thought, speech and other higher functions.