The anatomical and physiological components of the human brain.
Explain the anatomical and physiological components of the human brain.
In a two page paper include the following information:
Discuss the structural development of the brain
Describe the structure and function of the cerebrum.
Include the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, occipital lobe, and cerebral cortex.
Discuss the concepts of hemisphere dominance and memory.
Describe the purpose of the basal ganglia.
Describe the ventricles and cerebrospinal fluid.
Describe the brain stem
Discuss the structure and function of the cerebellum.
Sample Solution
The human brain is the most complex structure in known existence, responsible for all of our conscious thoughts and behaviors. It is composed of billions of neurons and millions of nerve fibers that are connected to one another via synapses. Anatomically,
the brain consists of three main parts: the cerebrum (the largest part), the cerebellum (the middle part) and the brain stem (the smallest part). Each of these regions serves a unique purpose in regulating bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate, digestion, movement and other vital processes.
The Cerebrum
The cerebrum is located at the top portion of the brain and is divided into four distinct lobes – frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, occipital lobe - each responsible for different cognitive functions. The frontal lobe is associated with executive functions like reasoning and decision-making; it also contains areas involved in motor skills or movement. The parietal lobe processes sensation from touch receptors throughout our body; it also helps us interpret incoming sensory information by creating mental maps or spatial representations. The temporal lobe interprets auditory input from sound waves and stores memories related to sounds/words; its primary function involves language processing as well as emotional responses to stimuli. Lastly, the occipital lobes are primarily active during vision processing activities like color recognition or identifying shapes/textures; they play an important role in recognizing familiar objects or people through visual cues.
Hemisphere Dominance & Memory
It’s important to note that although both hemispheres cooperate when performing tasks like speech production or reading comprehension – one hemisphere always takes on a dominant role while providing support for its counterpart; this phenomenon is referred to as “hemisphere dominance” which can be determined via neuropsychological tests measuring verbal abilities amongst other features like creativity or problem-solving skills. Additionally, recent research suggests that memory formation depends heavily on communication between two separate pathways within each hemisphere – namely short-term/working memory versus long-term storage where new memories can be consolidated over time through various means including rehearsal or repetition exercises aimed at reinforcing synaptic connections between neurons across multiple regions within your brains neural network . In essence this type of process allows information stored in short term memory buffers within your hippocampus eventually migrate into permanent storage sites distributed throughout much larger areas within your cerebral cortex — thus helping create meaningful associations with previously acquired knowledge which ultimately affects how we learn retain information from day today life experiences going forward .
Basal Ganglia
The basal ganglia are located deep beneath upper layers belonging to both hemispheres in each side your brains cortical region . Comprised mostly out nuclei their primary function involve controlling muscle movement along w learning basic routines involving automatic reactions towards external stimuli Basing their action upon input signals sent down dopamine neurotransmitters they act almost reflexively allowing us respond quickly instinctively different types physical activities such walking running jumping etc Additionally studies suggest may play prominent role forming more complex habitual behavior patterns certain contexts where decisions need made regarding optimal course action required achieve desired outcome Ventricles & Cerebrospinal Fluid: Ventricles refer four fluid filled cavities situated within interior lower region human skull containing cerebrospinal fluid CSF This transparent liquid produced secretory cells lining inner walls ventricles absorbs shock due head impacts protects delicate tissue neurons against trauma Its production maintained constant pressure keep steady balance substances necessary proper functioning neural networks help circulation oxygen glucose nutrients essential efficient metabolic exchanges occur Brain Stem Situated base neck below level skull lies relatively small yet vitally important constituent human central nervous system called brainstem protected bone vertebrae core structure directly connects spine spinal cord rest whole anatomy great deal responsibility goes maintaining homeostasis body's autonomic systems control involuntary action breathe swallow digest circulate hormones regulate sleep wake cycles These structures together form pathway signal impulses travel between middle higher parts cerebral cortex effecting voluntary movements coordination muscles body Cerebellum As name implies major component mature brain resembling shape small bunch grapes consisting two lateral hemispheres separated vermis midline provides fine tuning regulation movements precisely proportioned amounts force Both acting concert ensure smooth accurate execution motor commands generated somewhere else power source behind every directed activity result refined skill sets lack would inevitably lead clumsy awkwardness carrying everyday actions