Download The Brain is a complex organ composed of various substances. and more Lecture notes Life Sciences in PDF only on Docsity! The Human Brain and It’s Functions What is the brain? • The brain is a complex organ that controls thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, hunger and every process that regulates our body. The human brain is a complex organ composed of various substances. There are 6 various substances for the human brain. • Neurons • Glial Cells • White Matter • Grey Matter • Cerebrospinal Fluid • Blood Vessels Gray Matter • It refers to the darker, outer portion. It is composed mainly of neuronal cell bodies, dendrites and unmyelinated axons, grey matter processes information in the brain. White matter • It describes the lighter, inner section underneath. The white matter is on the outside. It consists of myelinated axons, which are extensions of neurons that transmit signals over long distances within the brain. Glial cells • These cells support and protect the neurons. They are essential for maintaining the health and function of the nervous system. Cerebrospinal Fluid • A clear fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord, providing protection and nutrient transport. Blood Vessels muscle movements. New studies are exploring the cerebellum's roles in thought, emotions and social behavior as well as its possible involvement in addiction, autism and schizophrenia. Brainstem • It connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord. The function of this brain regulates many automatic body functions such as heart rate, breathing, sleep cycles and swallowing. The brainstem also includes the midbrain, the pons and the medulla. Midbrain • It contains the substantia nigra, an area affected by Parkinson's disease that is rich in dopamine neurons. The midbrain is a very complex structure with a range of different neuron clusters (nuclei and colliculi), neural pathways and other structures. These features facilitate various functions, from hearing and movement to calculating responses and environmental changes. Pons • Named for the Latin word for “bridge,” the pons is the connection between the midbrain and the medulla. The pons is the origin for four of the 12 cranial nerves, which enable a range of activities such as tear production, chewing, blinking, focusing vision, balance, hearing and facial expression. Medulla • The medulla produces reflexive activities such as sneezing, vomiting, coughing and swallowing. Medulla is where the brain meets the spinal cord. The medulla is essential to survival. Functions of the medulla regulate many bodily activities, including heart rhythm, breathing, blood flow, and oxygen and carbon dioxide levels Understanding the brain's function is crucial for grasping how we think, feel and interact with the world around us.
