Understanding the Human Brain: Structure and Function
Understanding the Human Brain
The human brain has been described as the most advanced computer in existence, and also as our most mysterious and grand existence.
The brain is studied by other brains.
The brain is not just a “thinking part” but an intricate system that receives and processes information to decide what action to take. This is the Nervous System.
The Central Nervous System (CNS) is formed of two types of substances: gray and white. White substance is the conductor of nerve impulses. Gray substance is what prepares responses to stimuli. Both substances consist of Neurons and Glia. It is located in the central part of the body.
As an example:
Brain
The structure encompasses all the organs within the cranial cavity.
The brain is protected by the skull. Its function is basically the reception of stimuli and preparation of responses to these.
Cerebral Cortex
Because the brain surface is much larger, the space within has had to “wrinkle” to fit. This has led to a series of folds that, according to depth, have been classified into clefts, fissures, and convolutions. In its middle, anteroposteriorly, is the interhemispheric fissure, which divides the brain into two parts: a Left Hemisphere and a Right Hemisphere that are united in the center of the brain by the Corpus Callosum, which serves as a bridge to pass nerve impulses to and fro.
Right Hemisphere
Controls the left side of the body and the right side of the head. There are skills related to spatial abilities such as abstraction, recognition of faces, and musical skills.
Left Hemisphere
Controls the right side of the body and the left side of the head. It relates to the skills of language, logic, and mathematics in particular.
Brain Lobes
Each hemisphere is divided into lobes, corresponding to the bone which protects it. Thus we find:
A-Frontal Lobe
Below the bone of the same name, and the forehead, it is related to reasoning, concentration, in part with speech and movement, emotions, and problem-solving.
B-Parietal Lobe
Under the bone of the same name, the top half of the head. It relates to the perception of stimuli related to touch, pressure, temperature, and pain.
C-Temporal Lobe
Under the bone of the same name, in the middle inferred from the head. It relates to the perception and recognition of hearing stimuli and memory.
D-Occipital Lobe
Beneath the bone of the same name, on the base of the head. It relates to vision.
Fissures
Rolando, or Central and Silvio.
Limbic System
It is directly related to the outward emotional expression of a person and memory formation. This comprises:
A-Tonsils (Amygdalae)
There are 2, 1 in each hemisphere. They are in the anterior temporal lobe. They work together with the hypothalamus to generate fear and anxiety, preparing the body to react to danger.
B-Hippocampus
There are 2, 1 in each hemisphere. It relates to long-term memory, and when damaged, one can no longer memorize anything new.
C-Thalamus
It is made up of 2 nuclei above the medial dorsal nucleus. It relates to the emotional reactions of human beings, but that also depends on the limbic system structure to which it connects.
D-Hypothalamus
Lies just above the pituitary gland. Not only controls the operation of this gland and hence animal behaviors such as the need to eat, but it significantly relates to an individual’s emotional behavior.
E-Corpus Callosum
Is a structure made of white substance, which connects the two cerebral hemispheres and permits information to pass from one to another.
Areas of the Cortex
Based on its function, the cortex has been divided into motor areas (where movement originates), sensitive areas (where sensations are received), and association areas (which interpret these stimuli).
A-Motor Area
Located on the first gyrus before the fissure of Rolando. It controls all body movements. In this area, the body is projected.
B-Sensitive Area
Located behind the fissure of Rolando. Responsible for the reception of sensations throughout the body, with the same projections as the motor area.
C-Visual Area
Located in the occipital lobe, that’s where we really see, where the images are received by the eyes.