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Brain Anatomy and Functions

The brain is a complex organ that controls various bodily functions and is composed of neurons, glial cells, and blood vessels. It consists of gray matter and white matter, with distinct parts including the cerebrum, brainstem, and cerebellum, each responsible for different functions. Additionally, the brain is protected by meninges and cerebrospinal fluid, and it receives blood supply from carotid and vertebral arteries.

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4 views4 pages

Brain Anatomy and Functions

The brain is a complex organ that controls various bodily functions and is composed of neurons, glial cells, and blood vessels. It consists of gray matter and white matter, with distinct parts including the cerebrum, brainstem, and cerebellum, each responsible for different functions. Additionally, the brain is protected by meninges and cerebrospinal fluid, and it receives blood supply from carotid and vertebral arteries.

Uploaded by

pkmandla22
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Brain Anatomy and How the Brain Works

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. Together with the spinal

cord, it forms the central nervous system (CNS).

What is the Brain Made Of?

- Weighs about 3 pounds

- About 60% fat, 40% water, protein, carbohydrates, and salts

- Made up of neurons, glial cells, and blood vessels

- Not a muscle

Gray Matter vs. White Matter

- Gray Matter: Neuron cell bodies (somas); outer part of the brain

- White Matter: Axons with myelin sheaths; inner part of the brain

- In the spinal cord, the order is reversed

How Does the Brain Work?

- Sends and receives electrical and chemical signals

- Signals are carried by neurons

- Controls everything from movement to emotions to bodily processes

Main Parts of the Brain

1. Cerebrum

- Largest part of the brain

- Functions: movement, speech, thinking, emotion, senses, temperature


2. Brainstem

- Connects cerebrum to spinal cord

- Includes: midbrain, pons, medulla

- Controls breathing, heartbeat, reflexes

3. Cerebellum

- "Little brain" below the cerebrum

- Coordinates voluntary movement, balance, and posture

Cerebral Cortex

- Outer gray matter of cerebrum

- Folded to increase surface area

- Divided into two hemispheres (left controls right body and vice versa)

- Connected by the corpus callosum

Lobes of the Brain

Frontal Lobe

- Personality, decision-making, movement, speech (Broca's area)

Parietal Lobe

- Object identification, spatial awareness, pain, and touch

Temporal Lobe

- Memory, speech, sound processing, smell

Occipital Lobe
- Vision

Deeper Brain Structures

- Pituitary Gland: Controls other glands

- Hypothalamus: Regulates temperature, hunger, sleep

- Amygdala: Emotion, memory, fight-or-flight

- Hippocampus: Learning and memory

- Pineal Gland: Produces melatonin, controls sleep cycles

Brain Coverings (Meninges)

1. Dura Mater (outermost, tough)

2. Arachnoid Mater (web-like, under dura)

3. Pia Mater (inner layer, touches brain surface)

- Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) cushions and cleans the CNS

Ventricles & CSF

- Four ventricles in the brain produce and circulate CSF

- CSF removes waste and provides cushioning and nutrients

Blood Supply

- Carotid arteries: supply front of brain

- Vertebral arteries: supply back of brain

- Circle of Willis: ensures consistent blood flow

Cranial Nerves (12)

1. Olfactory - Smell
2. Optic - Vision

3. Oculomotor - Eye movement, pupil reflex

4. Trochlear - Eye muscle

5. Trigeminal - Face sensation, chewing

6. Abducens - Eye movement

7. Facial - Facial expressions, taste

8. Vestibulocochlear - Hearing, balance

9. Glossopharyngeal - Taste, throat movement

10. Vagus - Heart, digestion, speech

11. Accessory - Shoulder and neck muscles

12. Hypoglossal - Tongue movement

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