Human Brain Structure and Functions

Study Notes

The Human Brain

The human brain is the largest, most complex, and highly specialized organ in the body, comprising approximately 100 billion neurons.
The brain consists of specialized areas that work together to perform various functions.
The cortex, the outermost layer of brain cells, is responsible for thinking and voluntary movements.
The brainstem, located between the spinal cord and the rest of the brain, controls breathing and sleep.
The basal ganglia, a cluster of structures in the center of the brain, coordinate messages between other brain areas.
The cerebellum, located at the base and back of the brain, is responsible for coordination and balance.
The cerebrum, the largest part of the brain, is crucial for the learning process, as it is the site of higher-order functions such as memory and reasoning.

Brain Regions

Occipital lobes are responsible for sight, hosting the brain's visual processing system.
Temporal lobes are involved in hearing, language, and memory.
Frontal lobes are responsible for motor function, reasoning, abilities, problem-solving, and judgment.

The Neuron

A neuron is the basic unit of the nervous system, a specialized cell designed to transmit information to other nerve cells, muscle, or gland cells.
A neuron consists of:
- Cell body: the cell's life support center
- Dendrites: receive messages from other cells
- Axon: passes messages away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands
A neural impulse is an electrical signal that travels down the axon.
The myelin sheath covers the axon of some neurons, helping to speed up neural impulses.
Terminal branches of axons form junctions with other cells.

Types of Neurons

Sensory neurons (afferent neurons) transmit impulses from sensory receptors toward the CNS (Central Nervous System); mostly unipolar.
Motor neurons (efferent neurons) transmit impulses from the CNS toward muscles or glands; mostly multipolar.
Interneurons (association neurons) transmit impulses between sensory and motor neurons; mostly multipolar.

Description

Test your knowledge of the human brain, including its specialized areas, neurons, and functions. Learn about the cortex, brainstem, and basal ganglia and their roles in controlling breathing, sleep, and voluntary movements.