4 of 5

Write now Article Tools

The anatomy of the human brain is as complex as its function. The main portion of the brain, called the cerebrum or cerebral cortex, is contained in the skull. The cerebrum is divided into the right and left hemispheres, which is where the terms "right brain" and "left brain" come from because certain signals are not equally processed on both sides. There are also four cavities in the cerebrum, called ventricles, that produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid.

Signals travel from peripheral nerves throughout the body through the spinal cord to the brain and back again for mechanical actions and reactions; visual, audio, smell, and taste signals travel through the cranial nerves to the brain for interpretation. As our understanding increases about how the brain works, the brain is theoretically divided (meaning there are no natural lines or separations) into lobes from front to back based on the relative placement and known function. The brain is further broken down into various regions and subregions that are more specifically, and theoretically, associated with exact cause and effect actions of the nervous system.

The distinction between all of these regions is blurred as they are activated by activities and experiences to produce our actions and reactions. Signals overlap across the grey matter as an intricate web of electrical communication that every part of the human anatomy requires to function, both voluntary and involuntary.

The basic building blocks of the grey matter of the brain are cells called neurons. Each neuron stretches out from its cell body, or nucleus, to connect to other neurons via a synapse. Axons carry signals away from the cell body, whereas dendrites carry them toward the cell body. As electric and chemical signals travel through the synapses of the grey matter, the brain acts as the main processing unit of the central nervous system.

The Main Brain Regions

The underside of the brain is called the cerebellum, which is from the Latin "little brain". The cerebellum integrates the various neural pathways coming into and out of the brain via the brain stem to coordinate movement. The cerebellum is also involved in sensory perception, motor control, and cognitive roles, such as language and music processing.

Attached to the cerebellum is the brain stem, which is the lower part of the brain where the spinal cord enters the cerebrum. The cranial nerves and the motor and sensory neurons of the spinal cord converge here, making it an extremely vulnerable

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about The anatomy of the brain?
We want to hear your view. Write now!