The Powers of the Mind

Brain

• It is the organ inside the head that controls all bodily functions of a human being and is composed of billions of nerve cells.

• It also connects to your spinal cord and makes up your central nervous system (CNS).

• It 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.

• Lying in its bony shell and washed by protective fluid, it is the source of all the qualities that define our humanity.

• Its job is to send, receive, and process signals sent through your central nervous system. These signals are messages that carry information from your five senses.

• It also identifies signals from inside your body, like pain, temperature, or how fast your heart is beating. It interprets or translates this information so you can understand and associate meaning with what goes on around you.

Cranium

• The brain is protected by this, which are the bones that form the head.

Cerebrum, Cerebellum, Brain Stem

These are the three major parts of the brain.

Brain Stem

It connects the spinal cord and the brain. It controls functions that keep people alive such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and food digestion.

Cerebellum

It controls voluntary movement. You form the thought, and it translates your will into action.

Cerebrum

It interprets your five senses. It regulates conscious actions that require thinking, like your speech, memory, behavior, personality, movement, reasoning, and judgment. It's the largest part of your brain.

Left & Right Hemispheres

These are the two halves of the cerebrum.

Corpus Callosum

These are the nerve fiber bundles (white matter) that connect the two halves.

Meninges

These are the three layers of tissue between the brain and skull are called.

Dura Mater, Arachnoid Membrane, Pia Mater

These are the three layers of tissue between the brain and skull.

Dura Mater

It is the outermost layer lines your cranial vault.

Arachnoid Membrane

It is the middle layer has a thin layer of tissue that covers your entire brain.

Pia Mater

It is the innermost layer contains blood vessels that run into your brain's surface.

12

It is the number of cranial nerves that the brain has.

Nerves

They carry messages by sending electrical impulses back and forth between your brain, organs, and muscles. Information from your body passes through your ____ to your brain and from your brain to the rest of your body.

Amygdala

It is a part of your limbic system and is located in your temporal lobes. It helps you regulate your emotions, especially fear.

Basal Ganglia

It is located deep within your cerebrum; these structures regulate your movement.

Hippocampus

This small structure in your temporal lobes is responsible for your memory and learning.

Thalamus

Sitting above your brainstem, this is the switchboard to your central nervous system. It relays sensory information to your cerebral cortex from the rest of your body.

Hypothalamus

Just below your thalamus, it regulates hormones and autonomic functions like hunger and thirst.

Pituitary Gland

Below the hypothalamus, it regulates hormone activity.

Pineal Gland

In the back of your corpus callosum, this gland regulates your sleep and wake cycles.

Frontal, Occipital, Parietal, Temporal

These are the four lobes (sections) of the two halves of the cerebrum.

Frontal Lobes

Located in the front part of your brain, behind your forehead, this is the largest lobe. It controls voluntary movements, social understanding, thinking and learning, and more.

Occipital Lobes

Located in the back of your brain, this lobe allows you to process and interpret visual information from your eyes.

Parietal Lobes

Near the upper back of your brain, this lobe receives and interprets signals from other parts of your brain so you can understand your environment and the state of your body.

Temporal Lobes

On the side of your head, near your ears, this lobe helps you retrieve memories, understand language, and process emotions.

Functions the Brain is responsible for:

1. Automatic behaviors like breathing, heart rate, sleep and temperature control

2. Fight-or-flight response (stress response)

3. Keeping your organs working as expected

4. Memories and emotions

5. Movements (motor function), balance and coordination

6. Sensory processing (vision, hearing, smell, touch and taste

7. Speech and language

8. Thoughts and decision-making

Sight, Smell, Sound, Touch, Taste

Five senses

Left & Right Dominance

These are the two sides of the brain.

Left Dominance

• Classical music

• Being on time

• Careful planning

• To consider alternative

• Being thoughtful

Right Dominance

• Popular music

• Good times

• To visualized the outcome

• To go with the first idea

• Being active

Mind Mapping

It is a powerful thinking tool and a graphical technique that mirrors the way the brain works. It also helps to make thinking visible.

Tony Buzan

He invented mind mapping.

Ways to Improve your Brain Function for Personal Development

• Exercise

• Meditate

• Sleep

• Food Intake

• Sunlight

• Good Relationship

• Do Not Smoke

• Be Creative

• Classical Music

• Drink Coffee

Ways to Improve your Mental Focus

1. Assessment

2. Eliminate distractions

3. Limit focus

4. Live in the moment

5. Practice mindfulness

6. Take a short break

7. Build your mental focus

8. Brainstorm

Cerebrospinal Fluid

It is the liquid the brain floats in.

86 Billion

It is the number of nerve cells or neurons in the human brain.

Neurons

They send and receive electric and chemical signals.

Glial Cells

They help maintain your brain, form myelin, and provide nutrition to your brain.

Myelin

It is a fatty, protective substance found in white matter.