The human brain is not only one of the most important organs in the human body; it is also the most complex. The brain is made up of billions of neurons and it also has a number of specialized parts that are each involved in important functions. Show
While there is still a great deal that researchers do not yet know about the brain, they have learned a great deal about the anatomy and function of the brain. Understanding these parts can help give people a better idea of how disease and damage may affect the brain and its ability to function. The Cerebral CortexMedicalRF.com/Getty ImagesThe cerebral cortex is the part of the brain that makes human beings unique. Functions that originate in the cerebral cortex include:
The cerebral cortex is what we see when we look at the brain. It is the outermost portion that can be divided into four lobes. Each bump on the surface of the brain is known as a gyrus, while each groove is known as a sulcus. The cerebral cortex is the part of the brain that is responsible for a number of complex functions including information processing, language, and memory. The Four LobesPIXOLOGICSTUDIO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty ImagesThe cerebral cortex can be divided into four sections, which are known as lobes. The frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, and temporal lobe have been associated with different functions ranging from reasoning to auditory perception. Frontal LobeThis lobe is located at the front of the brain and is associated with reasoning, motor skills, higher level cognition, and expressive language. At the back of the frontal lobe, near the central sulcus, lies the motor cortex. The motor cortex receives information from various lobes of the brain and uses this information to carry out body movements. Damage to the frontal lobe can lead to changes in sexual habits, socialization, and attention as well as increased risk-taking. Parietal LobeThe parietal lobe is located in the middle section of the brain and is associated with processing tactile sensory information such as pressure, touch, and pain. A portion of the brain known as the somatosensory cortex is located in this lobe and is essential to the processing of the body's senses. Temporal LobeThe temporal lobe is located on the bottom section of the brain. This lobe is also the location of the primary auditory cortex, which is important for interpreting sounds and the language we hear. The hippocampus is also located in the temporal lobe, which is why this portion of the brain is also heavily associated with the formation of memories. Damage to the temporal lobe can lead to problems with memory, speech perception, and language skills. Occipital LobeThe occipital lobe is located at the back portion of the brain and is associated with interpreting visual stimuli and information. The primary visual cortex, which receives and interprets information from the retinas of the eyes, is located in the occipital lobe. Damage to this lobe can cause visual problems such as difficulty recognizing objects, an inability to identify colors, and trouble recognizing words. RecapThe brain comprises four lobes, each associated with different functions. The frontal lobe is found at the front of the brain; the parietal lobe is behind the frontal lobe; the temporal lobe is located at the sides of the head; and the occipital lobe is found at the back of the head. The Brain StemPIXOLOGICSTUDIO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty ImagesThe brainstem is an area located at the base of the brain that contains structures vital for involuntary functions such as the heartbeat and breathing. The brain stem is comprised of the midbrain, pons, and medulla. MidbrainThe midbrain is often considered the smallest region of the brain. It acts as a sort of relay station for auditory and visual information. The midbrain controls many important functions such as the visual and auditory systems as well as eye movement. Portions of the midbrain called the red nucleus and the substantia nigra are involved in the control of body movement. The darkly pigmented substantia nigra contains a large number of dopamine-producing neurons. The degeneration of neurons in the substantia nigra is associated with Parkinson’s disease. MedullaThe medulla is located directly above the spinal cord in the lower part of the brain stem and controls many vital autonomic functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. PonsThe pons connects the cerebral cortex to the medulla and to the cerebellum and serves a number of important functions. It plays a role in several autonomic processes, such as stimulating breathing and controlling sleep cycles. RecapThe brainstem, which includes the midbrain, medulla, and pons, is responsible for involuntary processes, including breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure. The CerebellumImage by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, and Technology(MEXT) Integrated Database ProjectSometimes referred to as the "little brain," the cerebellum lies on top of the pons behind the brain stem. The cerebellum makes up approximately 10% of the brain's total size, but it accounts for more than 50% of the total number of neurons located in the entire brain. The cerebellum is comprised of small lobes and serves several functions.
The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is responsible for managing conscious thought, the coordination of movement, learning, speech, behavior, and personality. The Limbic SystemImage by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, and Technology(MEXT) Integrated Database ProjectAlthough there is no totally agreed-upon list of the structures that make up the limbic system, four of the main regions include: The HypothalamusThe hypothalamus is a grouping of nuclei that lie along the base of the brain near the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus connects with many other regions of the brain and is responsible for controlling hunger, thirst, emotions, body temperature regulation, and circadian rhythms. The hypothalamus also controls the pituitary gland by secreting hormones. This gives the hypothalamus a great deal of control over many body functions. The AmygdalaThe amygdala is a cluster of nuclei located close to the base of the brain. It is primarily involved in functions including memory, emotion, and the body's fight-or-flight response. The structure processes external stimuli and then relays that information to the hippocampus, which can then prompt a response to deal with outside threats. The ThalamusLocated above the brainstem, the thalamus processes and transmits movement and sensory information. It is essentially a relay station, taking in sensory information and then passing it on to the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex also sends information to the thalamus, which then sends this information to other systems. The HippocampusThe hippocampus is a structure located in the temporal lobe. It is important in memory and learning and is sometimes considered to be part of the limbic system because it plays an important part in the control of emotional responses. It plays a role in the body's fight-or-flight response and in the recall and regulation of emotional memories. The limbic system controls behaviors essential for survival, including the fight or flight response, feeding behavior, and reproduction. Other Parts of the BrainOther important structures play an essential role in supporting the structure and function of the brain. Some of these parts of the brain include: MeningesThe meninges are the layers that surround the brain and spinal cord and provide protection. There are three layers of meninges:
NervesThe brain also contains 12 cranial nerves. Each nerve plays a vital role in relaying essential information to the brain. These nerves include:
RecapIn addition to the main parts of the brain, there are also other important structures that are important for normal functioning. This includes the protective meninges and the cranial nerves that transmit signals to and from the brain. Brain ConditionsThe brain can also be affected by a number of conditions and by damage. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, there are more than 600 types of neurological diseases. Some conditions that can affect the brain and its function include:
By studying the brain and learning more about its anatomy and function, researchers are able to develop new treatments and preventative strategies for conditions that affect the brain. RecapDisease and damage can affect the brain's ability to function. Tumors, strokes, degenerative conditions, trauma, and infectious diseases are just a few of the conditions that can damage the brain. Protecting Your BrainYou can't change your genetics or some other risk factors. But it's important to take steps to help protect the health of your brain. Diet and ExerciseResearch suggests that regular physical activity is essential for brain health. For example, that exercise can help delay brain aging as well as degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. It is also associated with improvements in cognitive abilities and memory. Similarly, a nutritious, balanced diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants is important for brain function (as well as overall health). It's also essential to protect your brain from injury by, for example, wearing a helmet when participating in physical activities that pose a risk for collision or falls, and always wearing a seatbelt when driving or riding in a car. RestSleep can also play a pivotal role in brain health and mental well-being. Studies have found that sleep can actually play a role in the development and maintenance of some psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Mental ActivityEvidence also suggests that staying mentally engaged can also play an important role in protecting your brain from some degenerative conditions. Activities that may help include learning new things and staying socially active. A Word From VerywellThe human brain is remarkably complex and researchers are still discovering many of the mysteries of how the mind works. By better understanding how different parts of the brain function, you can also better appreciate how disease or injury may impact it. If you think that you are experiencing symptoms of a brain condition, talk to your doctor for further evaluation. Which part of the brain is responsible for higher thought and consciousness?Collectively, your cerebral cortex is responsible for the higher-level processes of the human brain, including language, memory, reasoning, thought, learning, decision-making, emotion, intelligence and personality.
What part of the brain is the center for conscious thought learning and memory?The cerebrum is made up an outer layer, called the cortex, which is responsible for thinking, learning, memory, and emotions.
Which part of the brain is responsible for consciousness answers?The cerebrum is the largest brain structure and part of the forebrain (or prosencephalon). Its prominent outer portion, the cerebral cortex, not only processes sensory and motor information but enables consciousness, our ability to consider ourselves and the outside world.
Which regions of the brain are conscious?Since at least the nineteenth century, scientists have known that the cerebral cortex is important for consciousness.
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