All living beings have a brain whether it is birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and all other animals which one can think of. However, the human brain is the most unique. It has the capability to perform multiple functions and gives human beings the power to think, act, speak, plan and imagine! Moreover, it performs a number of other activities like the following:
• Controlling the body pressure, temperature, heart rate as well as breathing.
• Handling of the physical movements like that of walking, talking, sitting or standing.
• Assimilating information from its organs namely ears, eyes, nose, tongue and feel among others.
• Helping one to think, imagine and dream.
One would be surprised that the coordination and regulation and control of all the above tasks are performed by the brain.
Parts of the brain and their functions
It is said that the cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and can be divided into two parts. The right part helps one to identify with the abstract things in life like shapes, colors, music among others while the left half helps in activities which require analysis, logic and speech. The cerebellum falls below the cerebrum and at the back of the brain and it helps in controlling movement, coordination and balance. Another part, the brain stem falls in front of the cerebellum and below the cerebrum. It helps in activities which keep the human beings alive like that of digesting, breathing and circulation of blood. While the cerebrum controls the voluntary muscles, the brain stem controls the involuntary muscles.
The hippocampus is an integral part of the brain which forms part of the cerebrum. Its function is to take care of one’s memory. It’s work is to transfer information between the long term and short term memory. The pituitary gland is a small part which helps in secreting hormones useful for the body. Lastly, at the center of the brain, there exists the hypothalamus which functions like an inbuilt thermometer of the brain.
