The brain is the control center of the central nervous system. The brain is extremely complex. It contains more than 100 billion neurons, each linked to more than 10,000 other neurons by interconnects. This enormous number of interconnections provides a complex information processing system which is faster than todays fastest computers. This also enables the human brain to display intelligence.
A neuron is a fatty skin that coats the nerve cells. The coating acts as insulation and allows for fast bursts of signals around the body and brain.
Human brain performs the following tasks:
Controls and regulates body temperature, breathing, digestion, blood pressure and heart rate.
Coordination of information from our various sensors such as eyes, ears, nose, etc.
Coordinates physical motion when walking, talking, standing or sitting.
Allows us think, dream, reason and argue.
Allows us to experience emotions.
According to a new research (reported in 2008) by the Scientists at the University of California, our brain is fastest at the age 39 years and afterwards it declines rapidly due to the loss of neurons.
When the coating of the neurons, which acts as an insulator like an electric wire, deteriorates, the signals passing along the neurons in the brain slow down. This slows down the brain activity. After the age of 40 years, the it becomes difficult or impossible for the body to repair the protective sheaths.
Brain Structure and Brain Parts
Human brain has the following parts:
Brainstem: The brainstem consists of an enlarged portion of the upper spinal cord known as the medulla, pons and midbrain. It controls the reflexes and functions of heart rate, blood pressure, digestion and urination; and limb movements.
Cerebellum: The cerebellum integrates information from the vestibular system that indicates position and movement and uses this information to coordinate limb movements.
Hypothalamus and pituitary gland: These control visceral functions, body temperature and responses such as feeding, drinking, pleasure and aggression.
Thalamus: It helps in sending information from the brainstem and spinal cord to the cerebral cortex.
Cerebral Cortex (also called the Cerebrum): It consists of the cortex, large fiber tracts and some deeper structures (basal ganglia, hippocampus, amygdala). It integrates information from all the sense organs, controls emotions and generates memory and thought processes.
Picture of Brain Parts Brain Tumor Picture
Brain Tumors
Brain tumours are a mass of cells that grow in the brain. They can be malignant or benign. Benign tumours grow slowly and remain small in size. Malignant brain tumors can grow rapidly. About 40% of brain tumours are benign.
Signs and Causes of Brain Tumors
The brain tumor may originate in the brain (the primary brain tumor) or it starts elsewhere in the body such as a lung or breast cancer and spreads to the brain (the metastatic tumours). This depends on whether the tumour is a primary brain tumour, meaning it originates in the brain, or elsewhere.The metastatic tumours are malignant. The reasons/causes of primary brain tumours are unknown.
Symptoms or Signs of Brain Tumors
Intermittant headaches that come and go, worse in the morning and when exercising or changing position.
Problems with memory, speech and concentration.
Deterioration in behaviour, temperament and intellectual ability.
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