Brain, occipital lobe. Computer artwork of a human brain in profile within a glass-effect female head, showing the location of the occipital lobe (red). The occipital lobe is part of the cerebral cortex and is the centre for visual perception. It receives and processes information from the optic tract, allowing awareness and discrimination of visual stimuli. 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 cerebellum (lower left of brain) controls muscular coordination, balance and posture.