When we perform the simplest of tasks whether it’s scratching your nose to lifting a cup of coffee there is a chain of reaction process performed by the human body using a complicated system of thousands of related signals all coming from the master controller your brain! If you’ve ever watched the science fiction movie the “Matrix” you’ll get an idea of the simulation of sheer scale of what is essentially our own internal computer system running our lives for us 24 hours a day from bodily functions, thoughts, movement and emotions even when we are asleep the list of what the brain is capable of doing is endless.

The brain is the master organ of the body. It takes in all information relating to the body’s internal and external environments, and it then produces the appropriate responses. In humans, the nervous system is divided into the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system which contains the nerves which run all over the body.

Inside the skull, the méninges cover the cerebrum, which is the large grey bumpy part of the brain we are all familiar with from pictures and cartoons. Meninges are strong membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. A special fluid flows between the membranes. An infection here is called meningitis from inflammation of the méninges. 

The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is responsible for consciousness. The cerebrum is divided into left and right halves, from which the common definition of whether you are left brain user or right brain user originates from. Covering the left and right halves of the brain are four lobes named for the bones of the skull that cover them: frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital. Specific areas of the lobes are responsible for certain functions like concentration, understanding speech, recognizing objects, memory and other vital senses.

At the center of the brain is the hypothalamus, which controls the process of homeostasis by regulating sleep, hunger, thirst, body temperature, water balance and blood pressure.

This area also generates many neurosecretions, which are carried to the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is known as the master gland, along with the hypothalamus, it helps to maintain homeostasis by secreting many important hormones.

Another vitally important part of the brain is the brain stem which is connected to the spinal cord. The spinal cord, sensory neurons, motor neurons combine with the nervous system to protect you by making you get out of danger almost before you realize you are in any danger.

Unfortunately brain and nervous system problems are common. These neurological disorders include stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. Many affect the memory and the ability to perform everyday activities.

For more information on brain and neurological screening, diagnosis and treatment please contact Phyathai Sriracha Neurology Center on International direct line no: 087 – 1000990  Email: [email protected]  www.phyathai-sriracha.com