7.2. The Structure and Function of the Brain

Basilar artery + Internal carotid arteries Provides a safety mechanism. If one of the arteries gets blocked, the “circle” will still provide the brain with blood.

-Helps to smooth and coordinate sequences of skeletal muscle contractions. -Regulates posture and balance -Makes possible all skilled motor activities, from catching a ball to dancing

The brain obtains energy using glucose and oxygen, which pass rapidly from the blood to the brain cells. Glucose and oxygen are used to make ATP inside the brain by the process of aerobic respiration. Carbohydrate storage in the brain is limited, so the supply of glucose must be continuous. If blood entering the brain has low glucose or oxygen levels, mental confusion, dizziness, convulsions, and loss of consciousness may occur.

Cerebrum is the uppermost largest part of the brain while cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the gray matter of cerebrum

-Relay station –> it receives messages then sends the message to the intended destination -Sends and receives messages between the brain and body -Perception of sensations (pain, temperature, pressure) -Motor signal relay -Cognition

Respiratory and cardiovascular control centres

-Responsible for high-level brain functions such as thinking, language and emotion, and motivation -Function is divided into three broad processes –> sensory (receiving sensory impulses), association (interpreting and storing input, and initiating a response), motor (transmitting impulses to effectors)

B. Temporal

protects the brain

C. Parietal

A. Frontal

First branch of aortic branch /supplies blood to the right arm and the head and neck

D. Occipital

Control of autonomic nervous system (ANS), heart rate and blood pressure, pituitary gland, body temperature, appetite, thirst, fluid and electrolyte balance, circadian rhythms

Reasoning and motivation, planning, emotions and problem-solving. Also contains the speech and movement motor areas.

Somatic sensory and motor areas linked to movement, body awareness, orientation and navigation. Also contains symbolic and speech association areas.

Concerned with association processes such as emotion, behaviour, motivation and long-term memory.

Visual sensory and association centre.

Auditory sensory and association area; many aspects of long-term and visual memory.

the brain stem the diencephalon the two hemispheres of the cerebrum the cerebellum.

Hypothalamus + Thalamus Relaying sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex and regulating consciousness, sleep, and alertness.

Left and Right vertebral arteries (posterior supply, primarily to the brain stem and back portions of the brain). They join together to form the Basilar artery. Left and Right carotid arteries (anterior supply and middle). The carotid arteries split in 2: External (supply blood to face and scalp) and Internal (supply blood to most of cerebrum).

Supplies to the anterior and middle of the brain. The carotid arteries split in 2: External (to face and scalp) Internal (most of the cerebrum).

Supply blood to posterior areas of the brain. They join together to form the Basilar artery.