Structure and Function of Brain - Hs

Overview of Brain

• The brain is the control centre of the body, it is responsible for all cognitive processes and regulates bodily functions.

• Composed of roughly 86 billion neurons, the brain is the most complex organ in the body.

Brain Sections

• The brain can be divided into three main sections: the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brainstem.

The Cerebrum

• The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is divided into two hemispheres, each controlling the opposite side of the body.

• The brain’s surface, the cerebral cortex, has numerous folds and crevices that increase its surface area.

Cerebrum Function

• The cerebrum is responsible for higher brain functions, including thinking, learning, sensation, and emotion.

Cerebrum Parts

• It is further divided into four parts called lobes: frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, and temporal lobe.

Frontal Lobe Function

Involved in problem-solving, judgement, motor function, and expressive language. The motor cortex, which controls voluntary movement, is located here.

Parietal Lobe Function

Processes sensory information it receives from the outside world, primarily relating to touch, taste, and temperature.

Occipital Lobe Function

Responsible for interpreting visual stimuli and information.

Temporal Lobe Function

Primarily involved in processing and interpreting sounds and the memories of visual perceptions, particularly with regards to language.

The Cerebellum Function

• Located at the back of the brain, the cerebellum is responsible for coordinating and regulating muscular activity and maintaining balance and posture.

• It also plays an important role in motor learning, helping us perform tasks more effectively through practice.

The Brainstem Position

• The brainstem connects the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord, providing multiple important functions in motor and sensory systems.

The Brainstem Function

• It controls several important functions of the body, including heart rate, breathing, digestion, and sleep.

• The brainstem is also involved in reflexes and reactions to events outside of conscious control, such as maintaining balance.