Brain - Anatomy and function | Biology | Neuroscience | KNOW SCIENCE

 What is the brain?

The brain is the most complex part of the human body. 

This three-pound organ is the seat of intelligence, interpreter of the senses, initiator of body movement, and controller of behavior.

Source: flickr.com

The brain is a master chip of the human body. This 1.5 kg ( approx 3 pounds) organ controls the whole body, interprets input information.

It is the most complex part of the human body. 

We can't live without a brain. It is made up of 100 billion nerves. 

Anatomy and function

 The brain has 3 parts :

1) Cerebrum

2) Cerebellum

3) Brain stem

1) Cerebrum

The cerebrum is an important part of the brain. 

It contains the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, basal ganglia, and olfactory bulb.

Cerebral cortex processes sensory and motor information. 

Source: Wikipedia commons

It consists of mainly neuron cell bodies,  its rumple surface is due to its folds and fissures (known as gyri and sulci).

The cerebral has two hemispheres (left and right).

This hemisphere is divided into four lobes :

Frontal lobes : 

They're located in the front of the brain and they're the largest part of the brain. The frontal lobes manage emotions, decision-making skills, judgment, attention. 

Temporal lobe :

The temporal lobes located behind the ears, on either side of the brain. It is the second-largest lobe.

It is associated with the perception of auditory and memory skills. 

Occipital lobe : 

The occipital lobe is associated with the interpretation of visual information, shape, depth, and color. The lobe is located at the back of the brain. 

Parietal lobe :

They're located right behind the frontal lobes and the upper back area in the skull. They process sensory information like touch, taste, and temperature. 

2) Cerebellum

Source : Wikipedia commons

The cerebellum which is Latin for “little brain”, is located near the brain stem, just below the occipital lobes. It is the second-largest portion of the brain. 

It is responsible for various functions including motor skills balance, coordination, and posture.

The cerebellum occupies 10% of the total volume of the brain, yet it contains approx 50% to 80% of neurons. 

Damage to the cerebellum results in trauma, Brain tumor, Stroke, etc.

Like the cerebrum, the cerebellum has two hemispheres. A middle region, the vermis, connects them.

The cerebellum can also be divided into three parts by its function. 

Cerebrocerebellum: It is the largest division formed by the lateral hemisphere. It is associated with regulating coordination of muscle activation, planning movements, and motor learning.

Spinocerebellum: It is comprised of the vermis and intermediate zone of the cerebellar hemispheres. It is involved in regulating body movements by allowing for error correction.

Vestibulocerebellum: It is involved in controlling balance and ocular reflexes, mainly fixation on a target.

3) Brain Stem

Source: Wikipedia commons

It connects the Cerebrum and spinal cord, located in front of the cerebellum. 

It regulates certain involuntary actions of the body, including heartbeat and breathing.

It is made up of three major parts :

Midbrain: It is the forward-most portion of the brainstem. The midbrain involved in vision, hearing, motor control, sleep, and wakefulness.

Pons: Pons is the largest part of the brain stem, which is located below the midbrain. Its nerves connect the different parts of the brain.

Medulla oblongata: Medulla oblongata is the lowest part of the brain. It controls the functions like breathing, sneezing and also controls the heart and lungs.