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with cerebellar injuryversus just 3 percent of controlshad global developmental delays, including deficits in language, visual reception and social/behavioral function.

(Limperopoulos, 2005, para.3)

The mesencephalon, also a part of the brain stem, has two divisions, the tectum and the tegmentum. Within the tegmentum is the periaquaductal gray, or gray matter; a term familiar to most people, although many would not be aware of its origin. This gray matter is found around the cerebral aqueduct and "it is of special interest because of its role in mediating the analgesic (pain-reducing) effects of opiate drugs (e.g., morphine and heroin) "(Pinel, 2007, p.53). Damage to this area is highly possible for people who abuse drugs, and according to research conducted on rats, there could also be the risk of developing a tolerance to certain drugs such as morphine (Siuciak & Advoka, 1987, para.1).

The diencephalon is the uppermost part of the brainstem. It is located in the forebrain below the telencephalon, and is home to the thalamus and the hypothalamus. Part of the job of the hypothalamus is to control hormone excretion; these hormones come from the pituitary gland and as such, the hypothalamus plays a large role in certain behaviors. In close proximity to the pituitary gland is the area known as the optic chasm; the central meeting point for the nerves of both the left and right eyes (Pinel, 2007, p.54).

The telencephalon is the largest division of the brain; it sits on top of the brain stem above the diencephalon, in the forebrain. The telencephalon has a multitude of functions including learning and cognitive processes, interpreting sensory input, and controlling speech. The surface of the telencephalon has ridges called convolutions, which are seemingly in place so as to fit the large mass into its relevantly small area; the skull. The telencephalon is divided into two cerebral hemispheres which are joined by cerebral commissures; the largest of these commissures is called the corpus callosum. (Pinel, 2007, p.55).

Like other areas of the brain, any injury to the telencephalon has devastating consequences, and may even cause death. When an individual suffers a stroke, the cerebral hemispheres sustain damage, therefore the ability to speak can be severely impaired, or lost altogether. As an example, a stroke in the left hemisphere of the brain could not only cause the loss of speech, it may also cause the loss of senses in the right side of the body, paralysis in the right arm, leg or both. Additionally, a stroke often causes facial paralysis which also makes learning to speak extremely frustrating.

The brain is a miraculous creation, and as we evolve, scientists are discovering new and exciting information about how it functions. Testing continues on the newborn, the unborn, and in some cases, on animals. Every effort is being made to understand how the brain functions, although we may never be aware of its true capacity.

Reference

Psy.D, Cowan, D. (n.d.). What factors could cause the Reticular Activating System to be either over-activated or under-activated? Retrieved March 14, 2009, from New Ideas: http://newideas.net/adhd/neuro logy/reticular-activating-syst em

PhD., Limperopoulos. C. (n.d.). Cerebellar damage impairs cognition and behavior. Retrieved March 14, 2009, from Pediatric Views: http://www.childrenshospital.o rg/views/december05/impact.htm l

Pinel, J. P. J. (2007). Basics of biopsychology. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

Siuciak JA, Advokat C. (1987). Tolerance to morphine microinjections in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) induces tolerance to systemic, but not intrathecal morphine. Retrieved March 14, 2009, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pu bmed/3676830

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