Anatomy and Physiology of the Brain

The Brain is an incredible collection of ventricles, lobes, and systems, all working together to enable you to function. Since this subject is so extensive, we'll try to focus on the basics.

The human brain is the center of the human nervous system and is a highly complex organ. It is often compared to a computer, because of the vast amount of information it can process and store, however, the human brain is far more complex and functional. It has the same general structure as the brains of other mammals, but is over five times as large as the "average brain" of a mammal with the same body size. Most of the

expansion comes from the cerebral cortex, a convoluted layer of neural tissue that covers the surface of the forebrain. Especially expanded are the frontal lobes, which are involved in executive functions such as self-control, planning, reasoning, and abstract thought.

Cerebrum is ones conscious brain. It is separated into two hemispheres and each hemisphere into five lobes. That means there are 2 of each lobe (one in each hemisphere) in the brain. Below are the lobes and what they are associated with. 1. Frontal Lobe: associated with reasoning, planning, parts of speech, voluntary motor function of skeletal muscles, emotions, and problem solving,personality. 2. Parietal Lobe: associated with movement, orientation, recognition, and perception ofstimuli. 3.Occipital Lobe: associated with visual processing. 4. Temporal Lobe: associated with perception and recognition of auditory stimuli, memoryandspeech,smell 5. Cerebellum: associated with regulation and coordination of movement, posture, and balance. Brain Stem: This structure is responsible for basic vital life functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure. Mid-Brain: Acts like a complex switchboard, allowing the brain to communicate with the rest of the nervous system. Pons: Relay messages from the cerebrum to the cerebellum and spinal cord. Medulla Oblongata: Located above spinal cord. It regulates vital functions, such as heartbeat and breathing. The Medulla Oblongata is responsible for the 6 Crazy Dwarfs: 1.Coughing 2.Sneezing

3.Vomiting 4.Salivating 5.Swallowing 6. Gaging HYPOTHALAMUS FUNCTIONS To help you remember the 7 functions of the hypothalamus you can use the pneumonic... B Behavior E Endocrine E Emotions T Temperature Control S Sleep/Wake Cycle H Hunger/Thirst A Autonomic Nervous System M Memory

Meninges - these are 3 distinct membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord completely, for protection DAP. D (Dura Mater) - this is the membrane that has direct contact with the bones of the skull. This is the outermost layer or most SUPERFICIAL Mater. A (Arachnoid Mater) - this is a net like membrane that is between the Dura Mater and the Pia Mater. P (Pia Mater) - this membrane is hard if not impossible to see with the naked eye. It attaches directly to the brain and the spinal cord. It follows the contours of the brain. This is the innermost layer or DEEP Mater. Cranial Nerves: There are 12 nerves to remember and here is a acronym to help. O, O, O To Touch A Faithful Very Grateful Very Active Housewife. To also help you remember if it is a sensory or motor or both The acronym for that is

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Interesting facts about the Brain 1. The brain operates on the same amount of power as 10-watt light bulb. The cartoon image of a light bulb over your head when a great thought occurs isnt too far off the mark. Your brain generates as much energy as a small light bulb even when youre sleeping. 2. Your brain uses 20% of the oxygen that enters your bloodstream. The brain only makes up about 2% of our body mass, yet consumes more oxygen than any other organ in the body, making it extremely susceptible to damage related to oxygen deprivation. So breathe deep to keep your brain happy and swimming in oxygenated cells. 3. Scientists say the higher your I.Q. the more you dream. While this may be true, dont take it as a sign youre mentally lacking if you cant recall your dreams. Most of us dont remember many of our dreams and the average length of most dreams is only 23 secondsbarely long enough to register. 4. The human brain cell can hold 5 times as much information as the Encyclopedia Britannica. Or any other encyclopedia for that matter. Scientists have yet to settle on a definitive amount, but the storage capacity of the brain in electronic terms is thought to be between 3 or even 1,000 terabytes. 5. Nerve impulses to and from the brain travel as fast as 170 miles per hour. Ever wonder how you can react so fast to things around you or why that stubbed toe hurts right away? Its due to the super-speedy movement of nerve impulses from your brain to the rest of your body and vice versa, bringing reactions at the speed of a high powered luxury sports car. 6. The brain itself cannot feel pain. While the brain might be the pain center when you cut your finger or burn yourself, the brain itself does not have pain receptors and cannot feel pain. That doesnt mean your head cant hurt. 7. A typical human brain, has a volume of 1200cc and weighs around 3 pounds.