Biology - Human Brain

Introduction

The brain of a human being is the central organ of the nervous system.
The human brain consists of three parts namely the cerebrum, the brainstem and the cerebellum.

The brain of a human being plays significant role, as it controls most of the activities of the human body.
The brain is located inside the head, and protected by the skull bones.
The brain consists of more than 86 billion neurons and almost equal number of other cells as well.
Brain activity is made possible because of the interconnections of all the neurons that are linked together.
The study of brain functions is known as neuroscience.
An adult human brain weighs about 1.2 to 1.4 kg (i.e. average weight); which is about 2% of the total body weight.

A human brain is primarily classified as the −
- Forebrain
- Midbrain
- Hindbrain
Forebrain is largely made up of cerebrum, thalamus, hypothalamus and pineal gland.
Midbrain is largely made up of a portion of the brainstem.
Hindbrain largely made up of the remaining brainstem, cerebellum and pons.
Further, the (brain) hemisphere is conventionally classified into four lobes namely −
- Frontal lobe
- Parietal lobe
- Temporal lobe
- Occipital lobe
The naming is done according to the skull bones that overlie them.

Divided into nearly symmetrical left and right hemispheres by a deep groove, the cerebrum is the largest part of the human brain.
Cerebrum normally controls higher brain functions including language, logic, reasoning, and creativity.