Human Brain

Human Brain

Introduction

  • The brain of a human being is the central organ of the nervous system.
  • The human brain consists of three parts namely the cerebrum, the brainstem and the cerebellum.
  • The brain of a human being plays significant role, as it controls most of the activities of the human body.
  • The brain is located inside the head, and protected by the skull bones.
  • The brain consists of more than 86 billion neurons and almost equal number of other cells as well.
  • Brain activity is made possible because of the interconnections of all the neurons that are linked together.
  • The study of brain functions is known as neuroscience.
  • An adult human brain weighs about 1.2 to 1.4 kg (i.e. average weight); which is about 2% of the total body weight.

Parts of Human Brain

  • A human brain is primarily classified as the −
    • Forebrain
    • Midbrain
    • Hindbrain
  • Forebrain is largely made up of cerebrum, thalamus, hypothalamus and pineal gland.
  • Midbrain is largely made up of a portion of the brainstem.
  • Hindbrain largely made up of the remaining brainstem, cerebellum and pons.
  • Further, the (brain) hemisphere is conventionally classified into four lobes namely −
    • Frontal lobe
    • Parietal lobe
    • Temporal lobe
    • Occipital lobe
  • The naming is done according to the skull bones that overlie them.

Cerebrum

  • Divided into nearly symmetrical left and right hemispheres by a deep groove, the cerebrum is the largest part of the human brain.
  • Cerebrum normally controls higher brain functions including language, logic, reasoning, and creativity.

Functions of Human Brain

  • Perceive or sense the signal coming from the (external) environment
  • Giving sense of feelings and emotion
  • Regulating and controlling the human behaviors
  • Regulating and controlling the physical action
  • Regulating the memory function
  • Process of thinking (and other cognitive process)