Q: Discuss structure and function of brain?
Answer:
The human brain, the body's control center, is a
complex organ composed of three main parts: the
cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. It coordinates
and regulates various functions, including
movement, senses, emotions, and higher-level
cognitive processes.
1. Cerebrum:
The largest part of the brain, divided into two
hemispheres (left and right).
Responsible for higher-level functions like
interpreting senses (sight, sound, touch), language,
reasoning, emotions, learning, and fine motor control,
according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
The surface is folded into ridges (gyri) and valleys
(sulci), with deep valleys called fissures.
The outer layer is the cerebral cortex (gray matter),
and the inner part is the white matter.
2. Cerebellum:
Located at the back of the brain, below the cerebrum.
Primarily involved in coordinating movement,
posture, and balance.
Also contributes to fine motor skills and
coordination.
3. Brainstem:
Connects the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal
cord.
Contains the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
Regulates essential functions like breathing, heart
rate, sleep-wake cycles, and blood pressure.
Also involved in reflexes and certain sensory
pathways.
Other Important Structures:
Thalamus: Relays sensory and motor information to
the cerebrum.
Hypothalamus: Connects the nervous system to the
pituitary gland, controlling hormones, and regulating
body temperature, hunger, thirst, and sleep.
Limbic System: Involved in emotions, memory, and
motivation.
Functions of the Brain:
Sensory Processing: Interprets information from our
senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste).
Motor Control: Initiates and coordinates voluntary
movements and maintains posture and balance.
Cognitive Functions: Enables thinking, reasoning,
problem-solving, language, and learning.
Emotional Regulation: Processes and regulates
emotions.
Homeostasis: Maintains internal stability, including
body temperature, heart rate, and breathing.
Memory and Learning: Forms and retrieves
memories, and enables learning new skills.