The Human Brain: A Comprehensive Guide
The human brain is one of the most amazing organs in the body. It controls everything we do, from breathing and blinking to thinking and feeling. In this tutorial, we're going to learn all about how the brain works and what it's made up of.
Brain Basics
The brain is divided into two main parts: the left side and the right side. Each side controls different functions of the body. For example, the left side of the brain controls movement on the right side of the body, and vice versa.
Major Brain Structures
- Cerebrum: The largest part of the brain, divided into four lobes:
- Frontal lobe: Responsible for higher-level functions like planning, decision-making, and personality.
- Parietal lobe: Processes sensory information, including touch, temperature, and pain.
- Temporal lobe: Handles auditory information, memory, and language.
- Occipital lobe: Processes visual information.
- Cerebellum: Located under the cerebrum, it helps with balance and coordination.
- Medulla oblongata: Located at the base of the brainstem, it controls involuntary functions like heartbeat and breathing.
Brain Tissues
- Cortex: A thin layer of tissue that covers the surface of the cerebral hemispheres (left & right sides). It's responsible for higher functions like thinking, planning, language, etc.
- White matter: Located beneath the cortex, it consists of nerve fibers (axons) that connect different areas of the brain together.
- Ventricles: Four cavities located within the white matter that contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a clear liquid that protects and cushions your brain inside your skull.