In this class, we’ll start at the top … the brain.
Let’s take a look at the anatomical structures of the brain and provide a non-inclusive overview of what each structure holds.
- The forebrain (Diagram a) shows a human brain cut through the middle to show parts of itself. The corpus callosum links the right and left cerebral hemispheres.
- Diagram b shows the midbrain (the top part of the brainstem (see Figure 5).
- Diagram c shows the hindbrain and includes the pons (brainstem), medulla oblongata, and cerebellum.
The pons is responsible for relaying information between the medulla and cerebrum.
Now that you’re familiar with the anatomical structure of the brain, we will elaborate on the three anatomical positions of the brain: (1) lower (medulla), (2) cerebellum (mid), and (3) cerebrum (upper).
The cerebrum (upper anatomical position) is your “motor brain.” It controls learning, communication, senses, logic, concentration, memory, judgement, and emotions.
The cerebellum (mid anatomical position) controls muscle movement and coordination.
The medulla oblongata is the relay (or, reflux) center of the brain and is responsible for controlling breathing, circulation, perspiration, salivation, sneezing, vomiting, etc.
- The brain weighs from 2.8 to 3 pounds.
- It is a pinkish-gray color with the consistency of soft cheese.
- The right side of the brain controls the left side of the body and vice versa.
Defect Indications
There are many ways we can recognize issues with the brain; some of these are apparent but others are seemingly non-eventful occurances often attributed to other ailments. Here are a just a few ways to recognize a potential issue:
- lack of muscular coordination
- vision problems
- fainting
- circulatory problems (hypertension)
- memory problems
- slurred speech
Medical Terms
Different health issues impacting the brain are diagnosed in Western medicine and treated one differently from the other. In Alternative Medicine (aka Integrative Health), we treat the whole person (mind [brain], body [physical health], and spirit [scripture-based support]). Here are a few issues that are connected to brain function:
- Encephalitis
- Cerebral palsy
- Meningitis
- Strokes
- Epilepsy
- Fainting
- Meniere’s syndrome
- Muscular dystrophy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
But the nervous system also consists of … nerves. In the next segment of this class, we’ll take a look at nerves so you can better understand the nervous system and your health.