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Brain


The Basics...


The brain and nervous system control and coordinate everything we do. Various tasks and abilities can be mapped to particular regions in the brain - this is known as localization of functions. Anatomically, the brain is divided into two hemispheres (right and left). The hemispheres share some functions in common but also specialize in particular functions. For example, the left hemisphere is typically much better at math, logic, and language. The right hemisphere is typically better at spacial orientation, music, and facial recognition. The hemispheres also exhibit contralateral control of the body. This means that the right hemisphere controls the left side of the body and vice versa. This is true for both motor control out from the brain (efferent) and sensory information received by the brain from the body (afferent). Another general rule of the brain is that the more basic or fundamental the function, the lower it is located in the brain. For example, the respiratory and cardiac centers are located in the brain stem at the base of the brain. As you move upward toward the cerebral cortex, you get higher mental functions like consciousness, judgment and abstract thought.

The Details...


Page last modified on Wednesday August 18, 2010 13:36:47 EDT