A complex structure made up of networks of nerve tissues
plays a critical role in processing information received by the nervous system and directing actions within the body
The brain is located in the skull, is soft and has the appearance of an oversized walnut.
The brain has many different parts. It is divided into 3 regions: the Hindbrain, the Midbrain and the Forebrain.
The hindbrain continues from the spinal cord and is located at the base of the brain.
It consists of 3 main structures: the Cerebellum, Medulla and Pons.
Cerebellum
The brain stem is a cauliflower-shaped structure about the size of a tennis ball in an adult brain.
It is involved in the coordination of movement. The cerebellum decides which muscle groups must be activated and how much. When you make a voluntary movement, the cerebellum does not initiate the movement, but it co-ordinates the various movements involved in making it a smooth movement.
Medulla
located just above the spinal cord. It connects the brain and the spinal cord.
The medulla is involved in controlling vital reflexive functions such as swallowing, breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, vomiting, salivating, coughing, and sneezing. It is often fatal if the medulla is damaged.
Pons
located just above the medulla.
It is a bundle of nerve fibres that connects the spinal cord with the brain. It also relays information from higher up in the brain to the cerebellum.
The pons plays an important role in sleep, dreaming, waking up, and coordination of some muscle movements. Damage to the pons will alter the sleeping pattern of the person/animal, even causing coma.
Midbrain
The midbrain is in between the hindbrain and the forebrain.
It contains neural pathways that connect the upper and lower regions of the brain.
The main structure of the midbrain is the Reticular Formation.
Reticular formation
The Reticular Formation runs through both the hindbrain and midbrain. It is a...