The human brain is “the organ of civilization”. Our species and planet are dependent upon its evolution. Human survival and human history require an adaptable and ever expanding neural network of knowledge from this miraculous organ to meet the challenges and ensure our survival for future generations.
With this kind of importance placed on a single region within the human body, it is not an understatement of the monumental importance of maintaining the health of this special organ.
First, let’s learn more about the brain and what it does..
The human brain the command center of the human body. It is the main part of the central nervous system along with the spinal column which it connects to. The brain controls all the crucial functions of the body like, breathing, heartrate, digestion, temperature, mood, personality and movement.
It is also the most complex of all of the internal organs of the human body, requiring more fuel to perform all of it’s thousands of duties.
The brain is composed of neural tissue and not muscle to generate signals through the spinal column to activate organs, regulate biological functions and communicate to the other parts of the body. It utilizes it’s network of billions of nerve cells throughout the central nervous system to make this all happen.
The average brain weighs around 3 lbs. and is composed of 60% fat, along with protein, water, carbohydrates and salt, which makes up the remaining 40% of it’s structure.
Parts of the Brain
The brain is made up of three main parts: the cerebrum, cerebellum and the brain stem. These regions are divided into other parts like: medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain, hypothalamus and thalamus.
Each region has a dedicated function to which it is assigned a bodily responsibility. The brain as a whole must coordinate utilizing it’s neural network, all of these regions to maintain neuro-homeostasis.
All of the systems of the body (digestive, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, vascular, nervous ) are dependent on the brain as their source of direction and activation, through the billions of nerves derived from the brain. The effort needed to prioritize, coordinate and distribute all the chemical, bioelectrical and blood supply for these interdependent systems rely and start at the brain.
The primary regions of the brain and what they do are discussed below.
Cerebrum
The cerebrum is the largest and most superior part of the brain and includes the cerebral cortex. It is the only area of the brain responsible for consciousness. The cerebrum is divided into two halves known as the right and left cerebral hemispheres. The outer layer of the cerebrum is called the cortex and is gray in color and contains cell bodies and short fibers.
The cortex has convolutions known as gyri, which are separated by shallow grooves called sulci and deeper grooves called fissures. These folds throughout the cortex are designed to maximize the surface area necessary to ensure optimal functioning.
The cerebrum is responsible for functions that include:
Thinking
Learning
Emotions
Problem- solving
Coordination and movement
Cerebral Cortex
The cerebral cortex is largest part of the cerebrum and accounts for 50% of the brain’s total weight. It is divided into four lobes.
Frontal lobe: This area deals with cognitive functioning, motor control and muscle movement, reasoning, concentration, planning, complex thinking , problem solving, personality and judgment.
Temporal lobe: Processes auditory information from the ears, memories, hearing, smell, interpretation of sensory experiences. It includes the Wernicke area, which is responsible for understanding language.
Parietal lobe: This area interprets sensory information like speech to express thoughts and feelings. Also, temperature, touch, pressure and pain from the skin.
Occipital lobe: This area contains the visual cortex and processes visual information and combines visual images with other sensory experiences.
The cerebral cortex is made up of gray matter which is where the information is processed. The right side of the cerebral cortex controls the left side of the body, and the left side or hemisphere of the brain controls the right side the the body.
Each hemisphere of the cerebrum is divided by a deep longitudinal fissure and communicates with each other through the corpus collosum. Where it joins the two hemispheres together through myelinated fibers.
Cerebellum
The cerebellum is referred to as the “little brain”. It is the ancient and primal part of the brain that resides underneath and at the back part of the head. As humans evolved the cerebrum grew on top of it.
The cerebellum is responsible for muscle coordination, learned movements, balance, posture and muscle tone.
Diencephalon
The thalamus and hypothalamus are contained within this section of the brain. This region of the brain is “the gateway to the cortex”.
Thalamus
This is the last portion of the brain to act as a relay system that directs all sensory information to the cerebrum. The sensory information is then channeled to the appropriate regions by the cortex for interpretation.
Hypothalamus
This region maintains homeostasis, or constancy of internal environment. The hypothalamus regulates, hunger, sleep, appetite, sexual behavior, blood vessel constriction, body temperature.
The hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland to serve as a link between the nervous system and the endocrine system. It also plays a role in emotions like: pain, fear, anger, pleasure and affection.
Brainstem
The brainstem consists of the midbrain ( limbic system), pons, and medulla oblongata.
Midbrain
The midbrain is located right below the cerebrum and is responsible for eye and auditory reflexes. It also is involved in formulating potential threat responses from environmental changes.
The midbrain is part of the limbic system, which is the animal part needed for survival, simplistic language, subconscious, food, water shelter, reproduction and non-verbal cues for survival.
Pons
The pons is located below the midbrain and is responsible for certain reflex actions that derive from the 10 cranial nerves that are located within this region like:
chewing
tasting
saliva production
tears
blinking
balance and facial expressions
Medulla Oblongata
This region of the brain is the lowest part of the brainstem and where it joins with the spinal cord. The medulla oblongata is responsible for regulating biological functions that are essential for survival such as:
breathing
heart rhythm and rate
blood flow
heart and blood vessel function
digestion
respiration
swallowing
couching
sneezing
blood pressure
vomiting
Brain Health
Maintaining the health of the brain begins with proper nutrition, keeping a supportive network of family and friends, physical exercise, meditation or spiritual practice and engaging in good cognitive practices like:
Reading , writing, drawing, playing music, dancing, sports activities, mind and word games, puzzles, laughter, conversation and poetry.
When things go wrong from an injury, illness or disease, seeking immediate medical attention is advised. The brain has an impressive ability to regenerate damaged nerve cells with the help of therapeutic intervention, nutritional and mental health support.
With mental health concerns on the rise, it should be everyone’s responsibility to do their part by becoming more informed and an advocate of brain health awareness.
-A Balanced Brain is a Better Brain-