The Brain is a gelatinous organ weighing in the region of three pounds. It has two hemispheres right and left. The cells of the brain are neurons. The neuron has an axon and dendrites that enable information to be transferred from one neuron to another via electro-chemical process. Consciousness is a product of the biological function of the brain.
The Cerebral cortex is a thin layer on the outward surface of the brain. It is about 1/8 of an inch thick. It is referred to as grey matter and consists primarily of cell bodies. Underneath the cerebral cortex are the axons and dendritic material that make up the white matter of the brain. The cerebral cortex has raised areas and folds, the sulci are the grooves and the gyri are the raised areas. No two patterns of sulci and gyri are the same.
There are two principal grooves in the brainÑthe lateral fissure and the central sulcus. These two folds help divide each hemisphere into four main areas or lobes. Each lobe is associated with a particular set of functions.
This is the primary area of personality. It helps control reasoning, planning, emotions speech and movement.
This interprets sensory signals and integrates information.
This lobe is important in the interpretation of sound. It helps with aspects of learning, memory, language and emotions.
The occipital lobe process visual information.
This spans both hemispheres arching across from the start of the lateral fissure.
Reservoirs of cerebrospinal fluid; help cushion the brain
Modulates movement and is involved in learning motor skills.
Allows body and brain to communicate through nerve bundles.
Part of the brain stem that passes and receives information about movement
Controls functions such as respiration digestion and heart rate
Evaluates incoming sensory signals and passes them to appropriate areas of the cortex.
Part of the limbic system; helps control emotions heart rate, blood pressure, secretions of the pituitary gland.
Produces regulatory secretions connected to the rest of the brain via the hypothalamus.
Leathery membrane covering the brain.
