Brain anatomy. Artwork combining profiles of brain and head anatomy. The brain is the nerve centre controlling bodily function and thought. The outer surface (cerebral cortex) is heavily convoluted by folds (sulci). It is the area responsible for memory, language and conscious movement. Areas at the base & rear of the brain control subconscious functions such as balance and breathing. The head and neck arteries (red) and veins (blue) branch up from the major chest vessels at bottom. The brain requires a large and constant supply of oxygenated (arterial) blood for its proper functioning. The curved channels (blue) on the brain's surface are sinuses, draining deoxygenated blood into veins.