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The brain is an organ that's made up of a large mass of nerve tissue that's protected within the skull. It plays a role in just about every major body system.

Some of its main functions include:

processing sensory information

regulating blood pressure and breathing

releasing hormones

Cerebrum

The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain. It's divided into two halves, called hemispheres. The two hemispheres are separated by a groove called the interhemispheric fissure. It's also called the longitudinal fissure.

Each hemisphere of the cerebrum is divided into broad regions called lobes. Each lobe is associated with different functions:

Frontal lobes. The frontal lobes are the largest of the lobes. As indicated by their name, they're located in the front part of the brain. They coordinates high-level behaviors, such as motor skills, problem solving, judgment, planning, and attention. The frontal lobes also manage emotions and impulse control.

Parietal lobes. The parietal lobes are located behind the frontal lobes. They're involved in organizing and interpreting sensory information from other parts of the brain.

Temporal lobes. The temporal lobes are located on either side of the head on the same level as the ears. They coordinate specific functions, including visual memory (such as facial recognition), verbal memory (such as understanding language), and interpreting the emotions and reactions of others.

Occipital lobes. The occipital lobes are located in the back of the brain. They're heavily involved in the ability to read and recognize printed words, along with other aspects of vision.

Cerebellum

The cerebellum is located in the back of the brain, just below the occipital lobes. It's involved with fine motor skills, which refers to the coordination of smaller, or finer, movements, especially those involving the hands and feet. It also helps the body maintain its posture, equilibrium, and balance.

Diencephalon

The diencephalon is located at the base of the brain. It contains the:

The thalamus acts as a kind of relay station for signals coming into the brain. It's also involved in consciousness, sleep, and memory.

The epithalamus serves as a connection between the limbic system and other parts of the brain. The limbic system is a part of the brain that's involved with emotion, long-term memory, and behavior.

The hypothalamus helps maintain homeostasis. This refers to the balance of all bodily functions. It does this by:

maintaining daily physiological cycles, such as the sleep-wake cycle

controlling appetite

regulating body temperature

controlling the producing and release of hormones

Brain stem

The brain stem is located in front of the cerebellum and connects to the spinal cord. It consists of three major parts:

Midbrain. The midbrain helps control eye movement and processes visual and auditory information.

Pons. This is the largest part of the brain stem. It's located below the midbrain. It's a group of nerves that help connect different parts of the brain. The pons also contains the start of some of the cranial nerves. These nerves are involved in facial movements and transmitting sensory information.

Medulla oblongata. The medulla oblongata is the lowest part of the brain. It acts as the control center for the function of the heart and lungs. It helps regulate many important functions, including breathing, sneezing, and swallowing.

Use this interactive 3-D diagram to explore the brain.

The brain is one of your most important body parts, so it's important to know how to recognize signs that there may be a problem.

Brain injury symptoms

Brain injury symptoms depend on the type and severity of the injury. While they sometimes appear immediately after a traumatic event, they can also show up hours or days later.

General brain injury symptoms may include:

headache

nausea or vomiting

feeling confused or disoriented

dizziness

feeling tired or drowsy

speech problems, including slurring

sleeping more or less than usual

dilation of one or both pupils

fluid draining from your nose or ears

sensory problems, such as blurry vision or a ringing in your ears

trouble remembering things or difficulty concentrating

mood swings or unusual behavior

Cerebrovascular injury symptoms

Symptoms tend to come on suddenly and include:

severe headache

loss of vision

inability to speak

inability to move or feel a part of the body

drooping face

coma

Brain tumor symptoms

Brain tumor symptoms depend on the size, location, and type of tumor.

General brain tumor symptoms may include:

headache

nausea or vomiting

loss of motor coordination, such as trouble walking

feeling sleepy

feelings of weakness

appetite changes

convulsions or seizures

issues with your vision, hearing, or speech

difficulty concentrating

mood swings or behavior changes

Neurodegenerative symptoms

Neurodegenerative diseases cause damage to nervous tissue over time, so their symptoms may get worse as time goes on.

General neurodegenerative symptoms include:

memory loss or forgetfulness

changes in mood, personality, or behavior

issues with motor coordination, such as difficulty walking or staying balanced

speech issues, such as slurring or hesitation before speaking

Psychological symptoms

Symptoms of psychological conditions can be very different from person to person, even when they involve the same condition.

Some general symptoms of a psychological condition include:

excessive feelings of fear, worry, or guilt

feeling sad or dejected

confusion

difficulty concentrating

low energy

extreme stress that gets in the way of daily activities

extreme mood swings

withdrawal from loved ones or activities

delusions or hallucinations

suicidal ideation

Follow these tips to keep your brain in good health and to reduce your risk of certain brain conditions:

Use it or lose it

Improve your mental fitness by regularly reading, learning, or doing activities that make you think, such as crossword puzzles. All of these help stimulate your nerve cells, and may even lead to the development of new brain cells.

Protect your head

Always wear a helmet when playing contact sports. Be sure to buckle up when you get in the car. Both of these can go a long way when it comes to avoiding brain injuries.

Exercise

Doing regular cardio workouts stimulates blood flow throughout your body, including your brain.

Quit smoking

While smoking is bad for your overall health, it can also lead to cognitive decline.

Listen to your thoughts

Try to check in from time to time with your thoughts or feelings. Keeping a diary is a good way to get into this habit. Look for any thought patterns or emotions that seem to be impacting your day-to-day life. They could be a sign of an underlying, treatable psychological condition.

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Brain: Function and Anatomy of Parts, Diagram, Conditions, Health Tips

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The brain is one of your most important organs. Without it, you couldn't breathe or walk. We'll go over the different parts of the brain and explain what each one does. You'll also learn about common brain conditions and how to improve the health of your brain.

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brain; nerve; cerebellum; spinal cord; neurons; brain stem; grey matter ;

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Some people believe that critical thinking hinders creativity because it requires following the rules of logic and rationality, but creativity might require breaking rules. This is a misconception. Critical thinking is quite compatible with thinking "out-of-the-box", challenging consensus and pursuing less popular approaches.

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Human Behavior, Learning, and the Developing Brain

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"Synthesizing the breadth of current knowledge on brain-behavior relationships in atypically developing children, this important volume integrates theories and data from multiple disciplines. Leading authorities present their latest research on specific clinical problems, including autism, Williams syndrome, learning and language disabilities, ADHD, and issues facing infants of diabetic mothers.

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© 2014 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

The brain is one of the largest and most complex organs in the human body.
It is made up of more than 100 billion nerves that communicate in trillions of connections called synapses.

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.

Continued

Headache: There are many types of headaches; some can be serious but most are not and are generally treated with analgesics/painkillers.

Stroke (brain infarction): Blood flow and oxygen are suddenly interrupted to an area of brain tissue, which then dies. A blood clot, or bleeding in the brain, are the cause of most strokes.

Brain aneurysm: An artery in the brain develops a weak area that swells, balloon-like. A brain aneurysm rupture can causes a stroke.

Subdural hematoma: Bleeding within or under the dura, the lining inside of the skull. A subdural hematoma may exert pressure on the brain, causing neurological problems.

Epidural hematoma: Bleeding between the tough tissue (dura) lining the inside of the skull and the skull itself, usually shortly after a head injury. Initial mild symptoms can progress rapidly to unconsciousness and death, if untreated.

Intracerebral hemorrhage: Any bleeding inside the brain.

Concussion: A brain injury that causes a temporary disturbance in brain function. Traumatic head injuries cause most concussions.

Cerebral edema: Swelling of the brain tissue in response to injury or electrolyte imbalances.

Brain tumor: Any abnormal tissue growth inside the brain. Whether malignant (cancer) or benign, brain tumors usually cause problems by the pressure they exert on the normal brain.

Glioblastoma: An aggressive, malignant brain tumor (cancer). Brain glioblastomas progress rapidly and are very difficult to cure.

Hydrocephalus: An abnormally increased amount of cerebrospinal (brain) fluid inside the skull. Usually this is because the fluid is not circulating properly.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus: A form of hydrocephalus that often causes problems walking, along with dementia and urinary incontinence. Pressures inside the brain remain normal, despite the increased fluid.

Meningitis: Inflammation of the lining around the brain or spinal cord, usually from infection. Stiff neck, neck pain, headache, fever, and sleepiness are common symptoms.

Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain tissue, usually from infection with a virus. Fever, headache, and confusion are common symptoms.

Traumatic brain injury: Permanent brain damage from a traumatic head injury. Obvious mental impairment, or more subtle personality and mood changes can occur.

Parkinson's disease: Nerves in a central area of the brain degenerate slowly, causing problems with movement and coordination. A tremor of the hands is a common early sign.

Huntington's disease: An inherited nerve disorder that affects the brain. Dementia and difficulty controlling movements (chorea) are its symptoms.

Epilepsy: The tendency to have seizures. Head injuries and strokes may cause epilepsy, but usually no cause is identified.

Dementia: A decline in cognitive function resulting from death or malfunction of nerve cells in the brain. Conditions in which nerves in the brain degenerate, as well as alcohol abuse and strokes, can cause dementia.

Alzheimer's disease: For unclear reasons, nerves in certain brain areas degenerate, causing progressive dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia.

Brain abscess: A pocket of infection in the brain, usually by bacteria. Antibiotics and surgical drainage of the area are often necessary.

Continued

Computed tomography (CT scan): A scanner takes multiple X-rays, which a computer converts into detailed images of the brain and skull.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan): Using radio waves in a magnetic field, an MRI scanner creates highly detailed images of the brain and other parts of the head.

Angiography (brain angiogram): A special substance doctors call "a contrast agent" is injected into the veins, and travels into the brain. X-ray videos of the brain are taken, which can show problems in the brain's arteries.

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA): A special MRI scan of the brain's arteries. An MRA scan may show a blood clot or another cause for stroke.

Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): A needle is inserted into the space around the spinal nerves, and fluid is removed for analysis. Lumbar puncture is often done if meningitis is suspected.

Electroencephalogram (EEG): Brain activity is monitored through electrodes placed on the skin on the head. EEG can help diagnose seizures, or other brain problems.

Neurocognitive testing: Tests of problem-solving ability, short-term memory, and other complex brain functions. Usually, neurocognitive testing is done through questionnaires.

Brain biopsy: In rare situations, a very small piece of the brain is needed to make the diagnosis of a brain condition. Brain biopsies are generally done only when the information is needed to provide proper treatment.

Continued

Thrombolytics: Clot-busting medicines injected into the veins can improve or cure some strokes if given within a few hours after symptoms start.

Antiplatelet agents: Medicines like aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix) help prevent blood clots. This can reduce the chance of a stroke.

Cholinesterase inhibitors: These medicines can improve brain function slightly in mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease. They do not slow or prevent Alzheimer's disease.

Antibiotics: When a brain infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics can kill the organisms and make a cure more likely.

Levodopa: A medicine that increases brain levels of dopamine, which is helpful in controlling symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Brain surgery: An operation on the brain can cure some brain tumors. Brain surgery may be performed any time increased pressure in the brain threatens brain tissue.

Ventriculostomy: A drain is placed into the natural spaces inside the brain (ventricles). Ventriculostomy is usually performed to relieve high brain pressures.

Craniotomy: A surgeon drills a hole into the side of the skull to relieve high pressures.

Lumbar drain: A drain is placed into the fluid around the spinal cord. This can relieve pressure on the brain and spinal cord.

Radiation therapy: If cancer affects the brain, radiation can reduce symptoms and slow the cancer's growth.

Sources

SOURCE
Goetz, C. Textbook of Clinical Neurology, 3rd Edition, Saunders, 2007.

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Brain (Human Anatomy): Picture, Function, Parts, Conditions, and More

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The brain is one of the largest and most complex organs in the human body. It is made up of more than 100 billion nerves that communicate in trillions of connections called synapses. The brain is made up of many specialized areas that work together: * The cortex is the outermost layer of brain cells.

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While thinking critically is often perceived to be the primary purpose of reading, the question of whether it can actually be taught in classrooms has been extensively debated. This paper bases itself on a qualitative case study of university students completing a degree in English Language and Literature. It explores the way in which critical thinking can be taught in EFL contexts. The paper suggests that critical thinking is best defined as a series of skills which can be continuously worked upon by students for whom constant revision and application of these skills is a significant way of internalizing what has often been seen to be just an attitude or bent of mind. This skill is further enhanced when students get an opportunity to write on the areas which have been discussed in the class, particularly if they are of some relevance to the students' own contexts. Based on the open question format of Norris and Ennis (1989) and subsequent evaluation using the rubrics of McLaughlin and Moore (2012) which take into account the critical reading component in writing, this paper investigates the extent to which critical thinking could be enhanced through in-class social practices such as discussions and subsequent writing. The study concludes that continuous practice, both oral and written, provide opportunities for students to develop their critical thinking abilities as they become more successful in incorporating nuanced and critical ideas into their academic writings. This has implications for students' academic and personal achievements because, clearly, an inability to read critically will result in an inability to write insightfully. Various strategies are then suggested to facilitate learners' use of critical thinking skills so that they may successfully incorporate them into their writing, both in an academic context and as a life-long skill.

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Can Thinking be Taught? Linking Critical Thinking and Writing in an EFL Context - Sandhya Rao Mehta, Rahma Al-Mahrooqi, 2015

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
While thinking critically is often perceived to be the primary purpose of reading, the question of whether it can actually be taught in classrooms has been extensively debated. This paper bases itself on a qualitative case study of university students completing a degree in English Language and Literature.

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Abstract: This article draws six key lessons from cognitive science for teachers of critical thinking. The lessons are: acquiring expertise in critical thinking is hard; practice in critical thinking skills themselves enhances skills; the transfer of skills must be practiced; some theoretical knowledge is required; diagramming arguments ("argument mapping") promotes skill; and students are prone to belief preservation.

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Neuroscience Basics: Human Brain Anatomy and Lateralization of Brain Function, 3D Animation.

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Brain Tricks - This Is How Your Brain Works