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Introduction
The brain is one of the most amazing organs of the body. Its manner of operation and coordination with other major body systems is filled with so much detail that it its creation can be indubitably described as perfect. It is part of the Nervous System, specifically the Central Nervous System (CNS), and it works in conjunction with the spinal cord and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). The former is the second part of the CNS and the latter is composed of the nerves and the autonomic nervous system that has organs for furnishing the activities of the nervous system (Boeree 2003, p. 1). The collaboration of the brain with the mentioned parts helps us run our day-to-day activities, both involuntary and voluntary. They control activities like blinking, breathing, and even memorization. The main function of the brain in this alliance is the interpretation of messages. This is enabled by the perfect organization of the components of the brain (Swanson 2002, pp. 23- 30).
Parts of the brain
The brain is composed of several parts that work together to give its control and power over the human body. The brain has three major constituent parts. These are the hindbrain, the midbrain, and the forebrain. The diencephalon (thalamus and the hypothalamus) and the cerebrum make the forebrain while the midbrain characteristic of its hearing and visual function has the tectum and tegmentum. The hindbrain, on the other hand, has the medulla, pons, and cerebellum. The first two and the midbrain are collectively known as the brainstem. The brain is surrounded by three membranous envelopes known as the meninges. They work in conjunction with cerebrospinal fluid to give physical protection to the CNS. As the name suggests, the cerebrospinal fluid fills the spinal cord and the ventricles of the brain (Leiner 1997, p. 1).
The forebrain
Let us have a closer look at the parts of the forebrain. The cerebrumm is the Latin word for brain and it constitutes approximate 87.5 % of the weight of the brain. It is also known as cerebral hemispheres. It is in the cerebrum that things like thought, judgment, decision, and imagination take place. It also performs motor roles and processes sensory signals. To achieve its surface (cerebral cortex) is heavily convoluted into the parental, the occipital, the temporal, and the frontal lobes. These accommodate approximate 10 billion neurons and 50 trillion synapses. The neurons are conductors of impulses that are used to send messages/information while the synapses are intermediaries between neurons. The other parts of the cerebrum are the basal ganglia, the limbic system, and the olfactory bulb. The basal ganglia are made up of nuclei that transmit signals related to motion and learning. The limbic system carries out functions related to emotions. It is comprised of the hippocampus for memory and the amygdala for common emotions like anxiety. The olfactory bulb carried out interpretation of smell and chemical information (Boeree 2003, p. 1).
The thalamus is visible at the top of the brainstem as the large structure with two lobes. It passes along sensory signals and forms an important part of motor, sensory and other sub cortical pathways. Its interconnection with the cortex plays an important role in the generation of rhythmic patterns and perception. The hypothalamus is found in the same area as the thalamus. It controls the pituitary gland and thus influences the secretion of hormones into the bloodstream. This means that it can influence behaviors related to the endocrine function like appetite, emotions, temperature etcetera (Leiner 1997, p. 1).
The brainstem
The midbrain is a base for auditory and visual information relays. Its functions are performed by the pons, medulla, and midbrain. Let us first look at the midbrain. It is composed of the tectum and the tegmentum. The tectum is found in the dorsal area of the midbrain. It is known for its auditory and visual functions. The tegmentum is found at the base of the brainstem. Its functions include control over motor functions, regulation of attention, awareness, and some autonomic functions. The motor function of the tegmentum is enabled by the presence of the red nucleus and the substantia nigra found in the tegmentum. The other parts of the brainstem are classified as the hindbrain. They include the pons and the medulla oblongata (Swanson 2002, p. 57).
The pons is located below the midbrain and its functions includ: input in the control of autonomic functions, arousal, sleep, and relay of sensory information between the cerebrum and the cerebellum. The final part of the brainstem is the medulla oblongata. This forms the lower part of the brainstem and is also referred to as the myelencephalon. It protrudes at the end of the spinal cord forming a swelling-like structure. It is a very important part of the brain due to its ability to control autonomic functions. This includes cardiovascular and respiratory functions. It controls a variety of body secretions, reflexes, and even swallowing. The medulla forms an interface between the brain and spinal cord for the relay of nerve signals. Its strategic position between the pons and the spinal cord is also very instrumental in the critical role it plays in the function of the brain (Swanson 2002, p. 92).
The Cerebellum
The cerebellum is a part of the hindbrain whose importance in the functions of the brain has been negligently underestimated for very long. It is located at the skull base over the brainstem. Its unction’s include equilibrium control, muscle tone, balance, and the coordination of voluntary movements. The last function enables it to fluency and dexterity which are, arguably, the most difficult functions of the brain save for memory. This could be extended to an explanation of how we learn movement-based skills such as riding a bicycle. The cerebellum is appropriately featured to perform its special function. For instance, as small as it is, it has a larger number of neurons than the rest of the brain combined. It is additionally able to process information very fast and thus beats all other parts of the brain in rapidness of action. It also receives a large amount of information from the cortex. This is evidenced by the 40 million nerve-fiber connection between the cerebellum and the cortex (Swanson 2002, p. 63).
Diseases related to the brain
An interruption of the proper functioning of the brain could prove to be quite disastrous. It may lead to psychological disorders such as epilepsy, schizophrenia which is characterized by thought disorder, hallucinations, and delusions, Alzheimer’s disorder that is characterized by memory loss, and mood disorders that could be signified by irrational passions and depression. Many of the above-mentioned disorders may occur due to a fault in the transmission of nerve impulses and they are genetic. An example of such genetic brain disease is the Alzheimer’s disease. The most common brain diseases are caused by inflammations in the brain and they include vision loss, paralysis, and weakness. When a stroke occurs, the victim may lose brain cells and this may affect the ability of the victim to think well. Brain tumors can also interfere with the proper functioning of the brain by pressing nerves. The treatment and appearance of symptoms of brain diseases depend on the problem the victim is suffering from. In some cases, symptoms may be invisible while in other cases, misleading symptoms may be evident. Treatments like therapy, medication, and surgery are used to improve or treat brain diseases (Leinner 1997, p. 1).
Conclusion
The effectiveness with which a human brain functions is amazing. However, what should be more amazing is the detail exercised in the choice and the arrangement of the parts of the brain. As explained in the body of the essay, its parts are perfectly chosen to perform various functions and each of them is equipped with different strengths to help it in performing its function. The coordination of the brain with the nervous system is also commendable. Although the brain is a very powerful organ, its sensitivity is very disadvantageous. An injury to the brain is normally fatal or it may lead to a life-long problem (Leinner 1997, p. 1). In a nutshell, the brain is, arguably, the most complex part of the body in terms of its anatomy and function.
References
Boeree, G. (2003). “The Cerebrum.” Web.
Leiner, H. (1997). “The treasure at the bottom of the brain.” Web.
Swanson, L. (2002). Understanding the Basic Plan. New York. Oxford University Press.
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