Brain, frontal lobe. Computer artwork of a human brain in profile within a glass-effect male head, showing the location of the frontal lobe (red). The frontal lobe is part of the cerebral cortex and is concerned with higher cognitive thought processes such as reasoning, word associations and problem-solving. The cerebral cortex is rich in nerve cells and is folded into gyri. The brainstem (bottom centre of the brain) sub- consciously controls the body's vital functions, including breathing and blood pressure. The brain stem connects the brain to the spinal cord. The cerebellum (lower left of brain) controls muscular coordination, balance and posture.