The human nervous system (including the brain) is a regulator of the functions of a living organism. Thanks to her, he can respond to events and make certain decisions. In all this, the brain plays an important role.
Its functions and structure are still being studied by doctors, therefore, in the article, numbers will very often be 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 is difficult to ignore neurons. Their exact number has not been established, and various calculation models make it possible to judge that there are from 25 to 86 billion (the second number is the latest data). Gray matter is formed from neurons. The brain itself is sheltered by three shells:
- soft;
- solid;
- arachnoid (it contains cerebral fluid, which acts as a shock absorber that protects gray matter from shock).
Speaking about weight, it should be noted the differences. So, in men, the brain mass on average is about 1375 g, whereas in women it is 1245 g. But, by the way, this does not determine the level of mental development, oddly enough at first glance.
For the intellectual power of the brain, the number of connections that are created by neurons than its weight is of great importance. After all, if you compare us with other animals, then there are many creatures on the planet that can boast a much larger mass of the named organ.
But let's get back to man and talk about the brains of newborns. Interestingly, initially its weight is approximately 1/8 of the baby's body weight (conditionally - about 400 grams). Furrows and large convolutions are well pronounced (although they cannot boast of depth and height). And during the first few years of a child’s life, the brain acquires the features of an adult.
Neurons and nerves
The brain cells that generate and transmit impulses are called neurons, and glia perform additional functions. In the gray matter are cavities called ventricles. From him, the cranial nerves in the amount of twelve pairs stretch to the rest of the human body.
Neurons and nerves create different departments with their unique functions. The capabilities of the whole organism are completely dependent on their activity. Each neuron can potentially have up to 10 thousand contacts, with which it connects to other components of the brain.
White matter is also important. So called nerve fibers, which are used by the body to connect to each other hemispheres, different cortical areas and with underlying structures. White matter is located between the cerebral cortex and the basal nuclei. It distinguishes four parts, the classification of which is carried out depending on their location.
Structure
Conventionally, the main brain is divided into three parts:
- Cerebral hemispheres
- Cerebellum.
- The trunk of the brain.
It also distinguishes five departments:
- Final (which accounts for approximately 80% of the total mass).
- Rear (this includes the cerebellum and the bridge).
- Intermediate.
- Oblong.
- Middle.
In addition, three types of cortex are distinguished in the brain by specialists:
- Ancient.
- The old one.
- New.
What is the cerebral cortex?
The cortex of the brain is called the surface layer, the thickness of which is about 3 mm, covering the human hemisphere. Mainly for its creation, the body uses vertically oriented nerve cells that have processes. Although it should be noted that during its study, efferent and afferent fibers, as well as neuroglia, were also found.
Three types of bark fit into six layers. They all have different densities, widths, sizes and shapes of neurons. The cerebral cortex boasts an area of 2200 square meters. see. This is achieved due to its vertical striation. It also contains approximately 10 billion human neurons.
Bark function
The cerebral cortex performs several specific tasks. Each of its areas is responsible for something specific. So, thanks to the temporal lobe, we can process the mechanical vibrations of the air (sound) and respond to odors. 3-back helps us work with visual information. The parietal part of the cortex allows you to sense the space around and determine everything to taste. The frontal is responsible for movement, complex thinking and speech.
Equally important from a functional point of view are the basal ganglia, which are used to transmit information.
Brain departments
All important processes for humans are controlled by the final brain. He, moreover, has an effect on our intellectual abilities.
The diencephalon consists of the dorsal (upper) and ventral (lower) parts. In the first, the thalamus is of great importance. He acts as an intermediary who directs all received irritations to the hemispheres. Thanks to it, the body can quickly adapt to the external environment with changes.
The ventral part is considered the hypothalamus. This is the name of the subcortical center, where the regulation of autonomic functions takes place. The nervous system, endocrine glands, metabolism and many other processes important for the body fall under its influence. Thanks to him, 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, on which lies the responsibility for body temperature. Also thanks to it, the digestive and cardiovascular system is regulated.
Continuing to find out what the brain is, we move on to the back section - it is necessary for the quality of the conductor function. Outwardly, this area looks like a bridge with a cerebellum placed behind. Despite its low weight (about 120-150 grams), the functional value of this component is high. So, 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 main and spinal cord of a person. Here you can find both white and gray matter.
Our coordination, balance, metabolism, blood circulation and respiration are largely dependent on the medulla oblongata. Even when we cough and sneeze, it is he who works. The midbrain is responsible for our latent vision. It also houses the center of the orienting reflex, which provides a sharp turn of the body towards loud noise (or other unexpected stimulus). Thanks to him, people have a brain reflex, manifested in the fact that a person can evade things or blows flying in his direction.
Who and where is studying the brain
To study the brain, special research centers are created around the world. So, in the Russian Federation there is the Institute of the Brain in St. Petersburg, which is considered an integral part of the Academy of Sciences. This allows you to focus in one place specialists with a high level of training and upscale latest equipment.
Given the complexity of the object under study, even despite the large amount of attention paid to it, scientists have not been able to fully understand how it works. And this is despite the fact that the brain institution is not alone in the whole world and they have been functioning for a long time. But, nevertheless, research is ongoing, and soon even brain damage will not be a difficult problem.
How is the diagnosis of the current state of affairs
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 that is widely used throughout the world. How is everything going?
The brain encephalogram is a special curve that occurs under the influence of registration of vibrations that occur in the human brain. Fluctuations are captured through the skin due to the attachment of special sensors. Thus, diagnosticians get a picture of brain activity. If a person is healthy, then it will be harmonious. The proceeding nervous processes in this case are well expressed. With pathologies, various deviations can be observed.
Using the brain encephalogram, you can track how the central nervous system works. So, the coherence and rhythm of the ongoing processes easily fall under observation. Based on these data, you can build a diagram of the brain of a particular person and identify the site of a potential violation.
Positively on the accuracy of the results, the novelty of the equipment and the experience of the diagnostician are displayed. Thanks to the most modern equipment, it is possible to quickly identify damage that is hidden in the very depths of the structure. And research can be carried out for whole days to identify the true cause of the violations. The state of the brain will be measured day and night. Then the doctors will have a more complete picture of what is happening with the patient.
Conclusion
So, we have found out what the brain is, how it is built, what functions it performs, how it works, and also where and who studies it. Of course, the information provided is too little to say that everything is known about him. But everything big starts small. Therefore, if you have an interest in this topic, then you can easily find a lot of various information that can significantly supplement the knowledge base. Moreover, for these purposes it will be best to use specialized medical literature, where experts will tell about everything.