What is the brain: its structure and functions

The human nervous system (including the brain) is a regulator of the functions of a living organism. Thanks to her, he can react to events and make certain decisions. In all this, the brain plays an important role.

Its functions and structure are studied by doctors so far, therefore in the article the figures will be very often indicated only in the approximate range. And yet let's find out what the brain is.

general information

Speaking of what the brain is, it's hard to ignore neurons. Exact number of them is not established, and various models of calculation allow to judge that they are from 25 to 86 billion (the second number is the latest data). Of the neurons, a gray matter is formed. The brain itself is covered by three shells:

• Soft;
• Solid;
• Arachnoid (in it there is a brain fluid that acts as a shock absorber, which protects gray matter from impacts).

Speaking of weight, it should be noted the differences. Thus, in men, the brain mass on the average is about 1375 g, whereas for women 1245 g. But, by the way, the level of mental development does not determine this, oddly enough at first glance.

For the intellectual power of the brain, the number of connections created by neurons is more important than its weight. After all, if we compare ourselves to other animals, then on the planet there are many creatures that can boast a much larger mass of the named organ.

But let's go back to the man and talk about the brain of newborns. Interestingly, initially its weight is about 1/8 of the body weight of the baby (conditionally - about 400 grams). Well-pronounced are furrows and large gyruses (though they can not boast of depth and height). And during the first few years of the child's life, the brain acquires the features of an adult.

Neurons and nerves

Brain cells that generate and transmit impulses are called neurons, and glia is an additional function. In the gray matter are cavities, which are called ventricles. From him to the other parts of the human body stretch the cranial nerves in the number of twelve pairs.

Neurons and nerves create different departments with their unique functions. Their capabilities completely depend on the capabilities of the whole organism. Each neuron can potentially have up to 10 thousand contacts, which it connects to other components of the brain.

White is also important. So called nerve fibers, which are used by the body to connect the hemispheres, the various cortical areas and the lower formations. White matter is located between the cerebral cortex and basal nuclei. It distinguishes four parts, the classification of which is based on their location.

Structure

Conditionally, the main brain is divided into three parts:

1. Large hemispheres
2. Cerebellum.
3. The trunk of the brain.

Also in it there are five departments:

1. The final (which is about 80% of the total mass).
2. Rear (this includes the cerebellum and the bridge).
3. Intermediate.
4. Oblong.
5. Average.

In addition, in the brain specialists distinguish three types of cortex:

1. Ancient.
2. The old one.
3. New.

What is the cortex?

The cortex of the brain is called the surface layer, whose thickness is approximately 3 mm, covering the human hemisphere. Mainly for its creation the body uses vertically oriented nerve cells, which have processes. Although it should be noted that during its study, efferent and afferent fibers, as well as neuro-glia, were also found.

Three types of bark fit into six layers. They all have different density of location, width, size and shape of neurons. The cerebral cortex can boast an area of 2200 square meters. See This is due to its vertical striation. It also contains about 10 billion human neurons.

Bark functions

The cerebral cortex performs several specific tasks. Each of its areas is responsible for something specific. So, thanks to the temporal lobe, we can handle mechanical vibrations of air (sound) and react to smells. The acid helps us to work with visual information. The dark part of the bark allows you to touch the space around and determine everything to taste. The frontal is responsible for movement, complex thinking and speech.

No less important from the functional point of view are the basal ganglia, which are used to transmit information.

Divisions of the brain

All the processes important to man are controlled by the final brain. He, in addition, has an impact on our intellectual abilities.

The intermediate brain consists of the dorsal (upper) and ventral (lower) part. In the first, the thalamus plays a great role. He acts as an intermediary, which directs all the irritations received to the hemispheres. Thanks to it, the body can quickly adapt to the external environment with changes.

The hypothalamus is considered the ventral part. This is the name of the subcortical center, where the regulation of autonomic functions takes place. Under its influence falls the nervous system, endocrine glands, metabolism and many other important processes for the body. Thanks to it, the level of wakefulness and sleep of a person is regulated, as well as his eating and drinking behavior.

Under the hypothalamus is the pituitary gland, which is responsible for body temperature. It also regulates the digestive and cardiovascular system.

Continuing to find out what the brain is, we pass to the rear department - it is necessary for the quality work of the conductor function. Outwardly this site looks like a bridge with a cerebellum placed behind it. Despite its light weight (about 120-150 grams), the functional value of this component is high. Thus, the coordination of our movement depends on the cerebellum. The lower part of its surface is in contact with the medulla oblongata. It connects the human brain and spinal cord . Here you can find both white and gray matter.

The medulla, balance, metabolism, blood circulation and respiration largely depend on the medulla oblongata. Even when we cough and sneeze, it is he who works. The middle brain is responsible for our hidden vision. In it is also located the center of the orienting reflex, which provides a sharp turn of the body in the direction of loud noise (or other unexpected stimulus). Thanks to him, people have a brain reflex, manifested in the fact that a person can shy away from things flying in his direction or strikes.

Who and where studies the brain

For the study of the brain, special research centers are created around the world. Thus, in the Russian Federation there is the Brain Institute in St. Petersburg, which is considered an integral part of the Academy of Sciences. This allows you to concentrate in one place specialists with a high level of training and high-end modern equipment.

Given the complexity of the studied object, even despite the large amount of attention paid to it, the scientists could not fully understand how it works. And this despite the fact that the institute of the brain is not one in the whole world and they function long ago. But, nevertheless, research is underway, and soon even brain damage will not be a difficult problem.

How is the current situation diagnosed?

To diagnose the condition of such an important organ, a special study is used - the brain encephalogram. Thanks to it you can get high-precision data. Nowadays this is the most advanced technique, which is widely used all over the world. How's it going?

The brain's encephalogram is a special curve that arises from the recording of vibrations that occur in the human brain. Vibrations are captured through the skin by attaching special sensors. Thus, the diagnostics receive a picture of brain activity. If a person is healthy, then it will be harmonious. The flowing nerve processes in this case are well pronounced. In pathologies, various abnormalities can be observed.

Using the brain's encephalogram, you can track how the central nervous system works. Thus, the consistency and rhythmicity of the processes that occur are easy to observe. On the basis of these data it is possible to construct a scheme of the work of the brain of a particular person and to reveal the place of a potential violation.

Positively, the accuracy of the results obtained reflects the novelty of the equipment and the experience of the diagnostician. Thanks to the most modern equipment, you can quickly identify damage that is hidden in the very depth of the structure. And the research can be conducted throughout the whole day to reveal the true cause of the violations. The state of the brain will be measured both in the daytime and at night. Then the doctors will have a more complete picture of what is happening to the patient.

Conclusion

So, we have found out what the brain is, how it works, what functions it performs, how it works, and where and who studies it. Of course, the information provided is too small to be able to say that everything is known about it. But everything starts from small. Therefore, if you have an interest in this topic, you can easily find a lot of different information that allows you to significantly increase knowledge of luggage. And for these purposes it will be best to use specialized medical literature, where specialists will tell about everything.