By Mrs. Blessing Osawaru Osamede (HND Microbiology)
The human brain is a complex organ that controls thoughts, memory, emotion, touch motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, hunger and every process that regulates our body. Together, the brain abs spinal cord that extends from it make up the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS).
The brain is weighing about 3 pounds in an average adult, and about 60%fat. The remaining 40% is comprised of water, protein, carbohydrate and salt. The brain is not a muscle, it contains blood vessels and nerves including neurons and glad cells.
The brain sends and receives chemical and electrical signals throughout the body. Different processes, and the brain interprets each in less a micro second. Some messages are kept with in the brain, while others are relayed through the spine and across the body’s vast network of nerves to distant extremities. For this to happen, the central nervous system relies on billions of neurons (nerve cells).
The brain is divided into three; The fore brain, mid brain and hind brain which functions differently and separated having various parts embedded in them. However, at a high level, the brain can be divided into the cerebrum, brainstem and cerebellum. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is composed of right and left hemisphere. It performs higher functions like interpreting touch, vision and hearing as well as speech, reasoning, learning and fine control of movement. The cerebellum and the it coordinates muscle movements, maintain posture and balance. It also acts as a relay center.
The brain is the bottom, stalk like portion of the brain. It connects the brain to the spinal cord. It sends messages to the rest of the body to regulate balance, breathing, heart beat and more.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE BRAIN
1. Sixty percent (60%0 of the human brain is made of fat.
2. The brain isn’t fully formed until age 25.
3. The brain storage capacity is considered virtually unlimited.
4. Brain information travels up to an impressive 268 miles per hour.
5. On average, the spinal cord stops growing at 4 years’ old
6. The spinal cord is the main source of communication between the body and the brain.
7. It’s a myth that you only use 10% of your brain. You can actually use all of it. Even when you are sleeping, neurologist confirm that your brain is always active
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