Learn about the human brain structure, functions of its parts and general functions of the brain.

THE HUMAN BRAIN
The brain is one of the largest and most complex organs in the human body. The brain is however very delicate. Any damage to it is serious to the body in general. The brain is surrounded by a layer of tissue called the meninges. Meninges protect the brain from shock. The skull (cranium) helps protect the brain from physical (mechanical) injuries.

The brain is made up of more than 100 billion neurons (nerve cells) that coordinate body activities. Since body organs do not work in isolation, there activities have to be coordinated. This coordination is real communication.

Humans need to be aware of what is happening around them and within their bodies.  This communication is done by the nervous system and the hormonal system.

The brain deals with electro-chemical messages called nerve impulses. The nerve impulses are generated when different stimuli are perceived by body sense organs.

The sense organs we have include;-
Eyes –for light perception (seeing).
Ears –for sound perception (hearing) and body balance.
Skin – for temperature and touch.
Nose – for smell.
Tongue- for tasting.
 FUNCTIONS OF THE BRAIN

Memory- Memory is the storage of information. The brain is working as a computer's hard disk.  The brain has ability to convert a current experience into codes and stores it.  These experiences can be retrieved for use in a new situation.  These codes are permanently stored with no conscious effort on your part.

Learning- Learning is acquisition of new skills or knowledge. The brain is the most important organ in learning.

The brain performs the function of imagination. It helps us to look into the future. This is planning.

The brain is very important in the acquisition of language in infants. Language acquisition is an instinct and automatic that we sometimes take it for granted. In addition to this is the learning of mathematics. Each of us has these abilities and we perfect them when we practice.

The brain also is responsible for our emotions. It is truly the brain in control of our emotions. The brain controls our feelings e.g. sex drive, thirst, hunger, etcetera.

Medulla oblongata controls autonomic functions. Autonomic activities are automatic. One has no control over them. Whether you aware or not, they go on all the time. They include activities like; breathing, digestion of food, heart beat, swallowing and sneezing.  The motor nerves and sensory nerves from the midbrain and forebrain pass through the medulla. The medulla oblongata helps to transfer impulses between various parts of the brain and the spinal cord. The medulla oblongata is involved in several functions of the body including:-

1. Control of autonomic functions
2. Relay of impulses between the brain and spinal cord
3. Coordination of body movements

Cerebrum controls thinking, reasoning, judgement i.e. voluntary activities.
The cerebellum is responsible for coordination and balance. It monitors body movements.

The brain has lobes including:-

• Occipital lobes deal in visual processing.
• Parietal lobes deal in sensation, handwriting, and body positions.
• Frontal lobes are responsible for problem solving and judgment and motor function.
• The temporal lobes are involved with memory and hearing.