The brain connects to the spine and is part of the central nervous system (CNS). The various parts of the brain are responsible for personality, movement, breathing, and other crucial processes that keep people alive.

An average adult brain weighs 3 pounds and is composed of 60% fat, with water, protein, carbohydrates, and salt accounting for the other 40%. The brain is an organ made up of neural tissue. It is not a muscle.

The brain is made up of three main parts, which are the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem. Each of these has a unique function and is made up of several parts as well.

Keep reading to learn more about the different parts of the brain, the processes they control, and how they all work together. This article also looks at some ways of maintaining a healthy brain.

Why is the brain important? 

The brain is the command center that controls the nervous system. When people damage different parts of the brain, they may notice changes in their personality, movement, vision, sleep, and other important bodily functions.

A traumatic brain injury or stroke are some conditions that cause brain death. A person can technically be alive after brain death, but they will never regain consciousness. To sustain life, doctors place the person on artificial life support to keep the heart and lungs working. The heart has a separate electrical system from the brain, which is why it still beats for a short while after brain activity stops.

Doctors will carry out many tests before reaching a diagnosis of brain death. Brain death is a traumatic experience for everyone involved. It can be particularly difficult to come to terms with the diagnosis, especially if a person can see their loved one breathing and showing signs of life.

The brain is composed of three main structures, the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem.

The brain sends chemical and electrical signals throughout the body to regulate different biological functions and sense environmental changes. The brain communicates with the majority of the body through the spinal cord. To do this, it uses billions of nerve cells throughout the CNS.

Anatomy

Click on the BodyMap above to interact with a 3D model of the brain.

Cerebrum 

The cerebrum is the front part of the brain and includes the cerebral cortex.

This part of the brain is responsible for many processes, including:

• initiating and controlling movement
• thinking
• emotion
• problem-solving
• learning

The cerebrum is responsible for personality. If a person experiences trauma to the cerebrum, in particular the frontal lobe, their friends and family may notice changes in their demeanor, mood, and emotions.

Cerebellum 

The cerebellum, or “little brain,” is tucked underneath the cerebrum at the back of the head. It regulates balance and learns movements, such as walking and fastening buttons, but it cannot initiate movement.

Because the cerebellum is sensitive to alcohol, people will experience problems with balance and walking when they consume too much. Recent research suggests the cerebellum may also play a role in learning and decision-making.

The cerebellum is an ancient part of the brain, and the cerebral cortex grew on top of it as humans evolved.

Brainstem 

The brainstem is made up of the midbrain, pons, and medulla. It connects the cerebrum to the spinal cord.

Midbrain

The midbrain is responsible for several important functions that include hearing and movement. It also helps formulate responses to environmental changes, which include potential threats.

Pons

The pons enables a range of bodily functions, such as the production of tears, blinking, focusing vision, balance, and facial expressions. 10 cranial nerves arise from the pons. These connect to the face, neck, and trunk.

Medulla

The medulla regulates biological functions that are essential for survival, such as heart rhythm, blood flow, and breathing. This part of the brain also detects changes in blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Reflexive responses such as vomiting, swallowing, and coughing also originate from the medulla.

Maintaining a healthy brain 

Brain health is just as important as physical health. Keeping the brain healthy could offset memory loss and also help prevent other chronic conditions such as diabetes.

Actions a person can take to improve their brain health include:

• stopping smoking
• preventing or managing high blood pressure
• maintaining a healthy weight
• keeping cholesterol levels within a healthy range
• getting enough sleep
• staying socially active
• managing blood sugar levels
• reducing alcohol consumption

Summary 

The brain is the most complex structure in the body. It is made up of three major areas: the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem.

Conclusion

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