25. The brain
What is the brain?
The human brain has a folded structure. This makes it more functional than the brains of many other animals.
The brains consist of jelly-like tissue that contains nerve cells. Different parts of the brain have different functions. Most of the activity in the brain takes place in the surface of the cerebrum. Thinking and remembering are the most important functions of the brain.
Different parts of the cerebrum have their different funtions: one part processes taste sensation, another part is in charge of movement, whereas yet another part is responsible for processing the things you see with your eyes.
Parts of the human brain
Parts of the human brain 1. The cerebrum (e.g. thinking, processing sensory information)
2. The corpus callosum and the interbrain (nerve routes)
3. The pituitary gland (regulates hormone production)
4. The pons (nerve route)
5. Medulla oblongata (regulates breathing)
6. The spinal cord (transmits information into the body)
7. The cerebellum (regulates muscle function)
What do our brains need?
The cells of the brain require oxygen and energy in order to function properly. If there is not enough oxygen or energy available, your thinking slows down and you become tired. This is why it is useful to go outside and eat properly during long school days. Energy must be supplied to the brain regularly during the day. This does not mean that your brain needs energy drinks, however. Eating and drinking sugar-rich foods and drinks provides only a temporary energy boost.
Your brain also needs rest. The best form of rest is sleep.
Different substances, such as drugs and alcohol, have a detrimental effect on the brain. This is why children and responsible people should never touch such substances.
What are memory and learning?
Memory is the brain's ability to store information and to use this information when needed. All visual and aural sensations produce immediate memories that last only for a couple of seconds.
If you look at the same object many times, you will remember it better. This is why it is useful to revise things you have already learned when studying. For example, you will remember the nations of Europe or the parts of the brain if you study them multiple times.
Learning produces new connection between brain cells. For example, when learning a new word, your brain cells form new connections that help you remember its meaning for the rest of your life.
What things have you learned well? What kinds of things do you remember the best? Answer by commenting.
The nervous system
The brain sends messages into the rest of the body. These messages are transmitted through the nervous system.
When a brain sends a message into the body, it first travels through the spinal cord. It is protected by the vertebrae of the backbone and it is connected to a network of nerves that covers every place in the body.
By travelling through the nervous system, the messages are quickly transmitted into various parts of the body, such as hormone-producing glands and muscles.
The messages travel through the nervous system in the form of electric impulses.
Information is also transmitted from other parts of the body back into the brain. The most important sources of information are the body's receptor cells. Receptor cells are specialized in sensing various kinds of information.
For example, the receptor cells in your eye help to sense visual information from the world around you, whereas the receptor cells in your skin help to sense whether not it is cold or warm outside.
The information gathered by the receptor cells travels back to the brain through the nervous system.
Terminology
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| the brain | The organ in your head that produces, retains and transmits information. |
| the nervous system | The network of nerves that transmits information between the brain and various parts of the body. |