The brain is one of the largest and most complex organs in the human body. It is made up of a large mass of nerves that is protected with a hard covering known as the skull.
It is also arguably the most important organ in the human body, and it coordinates actions and reactions. The brain allows us to think and feel, the ability to memorize, and it works with every part of the human body.
The brain is an extraordinary organ and a very complex living machine. Understanding how the brain works and how it changes can help us understand who we are and how we can live a healthy and peaceful life. Read on!
Brain Anatomy and Functions
Cerebrum
The largest part of the brain is the cerebrum, which accounts for 85% of the whole brain. The cerebrum is divided into two halves which are further divided into four lobes.
The frontal lobe is located behind the forehead and are responsible for learning, thinking, speaking, expressing emotions, and movements. Behind the frontal lobe is the parietal lobe, which processes sensory information such as touch, temperature, and pain.
At the rear of the brain is the occipital lobe, and it is responsible for dealing with vision. The last is the temporal lobe, which are positioned next to the temple, and it processes hearing and memory functions.
Cerebellum
Second comes the cerebellum, the second-largest portion of the brain, which rests just beneath the cerebrum. The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating movement, posture, and maintaining balance.
The middle part of the brain is called the brain-stem, which includes the mid-brain, the pons, and the medulla. This part of the brain is responsible for functions like movement of the eyes and mouth, respiration, consciousness, involuntary muscle functions, cardiac functions, sneezing, coughing, and swallowing.
Meninges
Ultimately, there is the covering of the brain. The brain is an extremely sensitive and delicate organ and therefore requires maximum protection. The hard bone of the skull and three tough protection membranes called meninges provide the protection to the brain.
How the Brain Works
The human brain contains billions of nerve cells that are arranged in patterns; they coordinate thought, emotions, behavior, and every function executed by the brain. The brain houses a very complicated highway of nerves that connects it to the rest of the body.
The communication between the brain and other organs is so fast that it occurs in a fraction of a second. Information runs between the neurons in the brain for absolutely everything.
The neurons move the information at various speeds – the fastest being 268 miles per hour (along the alpha motor neuron in the spinal cord), and the slowest is 1 mph (sensory receptors in the skin).
Extraordinary Facts About Grey Matter
The Brain Is Extremely Powerful
The human brain is extremely powerful and keeps the body running all day long. Besides helping the body to learn and think, it is also responsible for movement and speech.
The brain is the organ that works restlessly to receive the information, process it, and send the reactions to other organs. Moreover, brain waves are even more active while you are dreaming.
Multitasking Is Literally Impossible
Multitasking is a thing that we have always been told and encouraged to practice. But studies have proved that it turns out that it is not possible. What multitasking does to our brain is to essentially split up the functioning of the brain. And, research shows that the error rate goes up by 50% and causes us to take twice the length of time to do things.
Exercise Is Very Important for the Brain
A healthy brain is as important as a healthy body so that you will be able to put maximum effort and energy into your workout. Brain exercises also improve the executive functions like being able to focus on complex tasks, to think abstractly, and plan for future events.
It also encompasses working memory, like the ability to memorize something for a long period of time.
The Bottom Line
To sum up, the human brain, also known as the grey matter, is probably the most interesting, complicated, and astonishing organ made up of various parts. Even after years of research, doctors and scientists are discovering new characteristics and functions every day, and there are more to come in the future.
