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ABOUT THE BRAIN
What are the sections of the brain and what do they do?
The brain is made up of many specialized areas that work together:
- The cortex is the outermost layer of brain cells. Thinking and voluntary movements begin in the cortex.
- The brain stem is between the spinal cord and the rest of the brain. Basic functions like breathing and sleep are controlled here.
- The basal ganglia are a cluster of structures in the center of the brain. The basal ganglia coordinate messages between multiple other brain areas.
- The cerebellum is at the base and the back of the brain. The cerebellum is responsible for coordination and balance.
The brain is also divided into several lobes:
- The frontal lobes are responsible for problem solving and judgment and motor function.
- The parietal lobes manage sensation, handwriting, and body position.
- The temporal lobes are involved with memory and hearing.
- The occipital lobes contain the brain's visual processing system.
The brain is surrounded by a layer of tissue called the meninges. The skull (cranium) helps protect the brain from injury.
Source: Wikipedia
THE CRANIAL NERVES
| Nerve # |
Name |
Function |
| Cranial Nerve 1 |
Olfactory |
Relay Smell |
| Cranial Nerve 2 |
Optic |
Transmit visual information |
| Cranial Nerve 3 |
Oculomotor |
External movement of eye |
| Cranial Nerve 4 |
Trochlear |
Supplies muscles of eye |
| Cranial Nerve 5 |
Trigeminal |
Chewing and sensation in face |
| Cranial Nerve 6 |
Abducent |
Controls lateral eye movement |
| Cranial Nerve 7 |
Facial |
Muscles of facial expression, taste, blinking, finger/toe |
| Cranial Nerve 8 |
Auditory |
Hearing and balance |
| Cranial Nerve 9 |
Glossopharyngeal |
Sensation, taste, and swallowing |
| Cranial Nerve 10 |
Vagus |
Organs in chest and abdomen |
| Cranial Nerve 11 |
Accessory |
Supply two neck muscles |
| Cranial Nerve 12 |
Hypoglossal |
Muscles in tongue and neck |
THE SPINE
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