The Brain: Overview
1. Structure of the Brain
Cerebrum: Largest part; responsible for higher brain functions
(thought, action, emotion).
o Cerebral Cortex: Outer layer; involved in sensory perception,
cognition, and motor control.
o Lobes:
Frontal Lobe: Decision making, problem-solving, planning,
and emotional regulation.
Parietal Lobe: Sensory information processing (touch,
temperature, pain).
Temporal Lobe: Auditory processing, memory, and
language comprehension.
Occipital Lobe: Visual processing.
Cerebellum: Coordinates movement and balance; involved in motor
learning.
Brainstem: Controls basic life functions (breathing, heart rate, sleep).
o Midbrain: Vision, hearing, motor control.
o Pons: Relays signals between cerebrum and cerebellum;
regulates sleep.
o Medulla Oblongata: Controls autonomic functions (heart rate,
blood pressure).
2. Neurons and Neurotransmitters
Neurons: Basic functional units of the brain; transmit signals.
o Types: Sensory neurons, motor neurons, interneurons.
Neurotransmitters: Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses.
o Examples: Dopamine (reward, pleasure), serotonin (mood
regulation), acetylcholine (muscle activation).
3. Brain Functionality
Cognition: Involves processes like thinking, learning, and memory.
Emotion: Regulated by the limbic system (includes the amygdala and
hippocampus).
Motor Control: Involves the primary motor cortex and basal ganglia.
4. Brain Development
Neuroplasticity: The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming
new neural connections.
Critical Periods: Specific times during development when the brain is
particularly receptive to learning.
5. Common Brain Disorders
Alzheimer's Disease: Progressive memory loss and cognitive decline.
Parkinson's Disease: Movement disorder caused by dopamine
deficiency.
Stroke: Disruption of blood flow to the brain, leading to cell death.
Depression: Affects mood and can be linked to neurotransmitter
imbalances.
6. Protective Structures
Skull: Hard outer casing that protects the brain.
Meninges: Three layers of protective tissue (dura mater, arachnoid
mater, pia mater).
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): Cushions the brain and removes waste.
Key Terms
Neuroplasticity
Synapse
Limbic System
Cerebral Hemispheres
Autonomic Nervous System
Study Tips
Use diagrams to visualize brain structures and functions.
Create flashcards for key terms and their definitions.
Discuss brain functions and disorders in study groups for better
retention.
