The brain is a highly specialized organ.

It serves as the control center for functions of the body and allows us to cope with our environment. Words, actions, thoughts, and feelings are centered in the brain. It is so complex that some theorists believe we will never be able to fully understand it. We do, however, know that each part of the brain has a specific, important function, often a profoundly important function, and each part contributes to the healthy functioning of our body.

The anatomy of the brain is complex due its intricate structure and function. This amazing organ acts as a control center by receiving, interpreting, and directing sensory information throughout the body. There are three major divisions of the brain. They are the forebrain, the midbrain, and the hindbrain. Anatomy of the Brain: Brain Divisions The forebrain is responsible for a variety of functions including receiving and processing sensory information, thinking, perceiving, producing and understanding language, and controlling motor function. There are two major divisions of forebrain: the diencephalon and the telencephalon. The diencephalon contains structures such as the thalamus and hypothalamus which are responsible for such functions as motor control, relaying sensory information, and controlling autonomic functions. The telencephalon contains the largest part of the brain, the cerebrum. Most of the actual information processing in the brain takes place in the cerebral cortex. The midbrain and the hindbrain together make up the brainstem. The midbrain is the portion of the brainstem that connects the hindbrain and the forebrain. This region of the brain is involved in auditory and visual responses as well as motor function. The hindbrain extends from the spinal cord and is composed of the metencephalon andmyelencephalon. The metencephalon contains structures such as the pons and cerebellum. These regions assists in maintaining balance and equilibrium, movement coordination, and the conduction of sensory information. The myelencephalon is composed of the medulla oblongatawhich is responsible for controlling such autonomic functions as breathing, heart rate, and digestion. Prosencephalon - Forebrain Diencephalon Telencephalon Mesencephalon - Midbrain Rhombencephalon - Hindbrain Metencephalon Myelencephalon Anatomy of the Brain: Structures The brain contains various structures that have a multitude of functions. Below is a list of major structures of the brain and some of their functions. Basal Ganglia Involved in cognition and voluntary movement Diseases related to damages of this area are Parkinson's and Huntington's Brainstem Relays information between the peripheral nerves and spinal cord to the upper parts of the brain Consists of the midbrain, medulla oblongata, and the pons Broca's Area Speech production Understanding language Central Sulcus (Fissure of Rolando) Deep grove that separates the parietal and frontal lobes Cerebellum Controls movement coordination Maintains balance and equilibrium Cerebral Cortex Outer portion (1.5mm to 5mm) of the cerebrum Receives and processes sensory information Divided into cerebral cortex lobes Cerebral Cortex Lobes Frontal Lobes -involved with decision-making, problem solving, and planning Occipital Lobes-involved with vision and color recognition

Parietal Lobes - receives and processes sensory information Temporal Lobes - involved with emotional responses, memory, and speech Cerebrum Largest portion of the brain Consists of folded bulges called gyri that create deep furrows Corpus Callosum Thick band of fibers that connects the left and right brain hemispheres Cranial Nerves Twelve pairs of nerves that originate in the brain, exit the skull, and lead to the head, neck and torso Fissure of Sylvius (Lateral Sulcus) Deep grove that separates the parietal and temporal lobes Limbic System Structures Amygdala - involved in emotional responses, hormonal secretions, and memory Cingulate Gyrus - a fold in the brain involved with sensory input concerning emotions and the regulation of aggressive behavior Fornix - an arching, fibrous band of nerve fibers that connect the hippocampus to the hypothalamus Hippocampus - sends memories out to the appropriate part of the cerebral hemisphere for long-term storage and retrievs them when necessary Hypothalamus - directs a multitude of important functions such as body temperature, hunger, and homeostasis Olfactory Cortex - receives sensory information from the olfactory bulb and is involved in the identification of odors Thalamus - mass of grey matter cells that relay sensory signals to and from the spinal cord and the cerebrum Medulla Oblongata Lower part of the brainstem that helps to control autonomic functions Meninges Membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord Olfactory Bulb Bulb-shaped end of the olfactory lobe Involved in the sense of smell Pineal Gland Endocrine gland involved in biological rhythms Secretes the hormone melatonin Pituitary Gland Endocrine gland involved in homeostasis Regulates other endocrine glands Pons Relays sensory information between the cerebrum and cerebellum Reticular Formation Nerve fibers located inside the brainstem Regulates awareness and sleep Substantia Nigra Helps to control voluntary movement and regualtes mood Tectum The dorsal region of the mesencephalon (mid brain) Tegmentum The ventral region of the mesencephalon (mid brain). Ventricular System - connecting system of internal brain cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid Aqueduct of Sylvius - canal that is located between the third ventricle and the fourth ventricle Choroid Plexus - produces cerebrospinal fluid Fourth Ventricle - canal that runs between the pons, medulla oblongata, and the cerebellum Lateral Ventricle - largest of the ventricles and located in both brain hemispheres Third Ventricle - provides a pathway for cerebrospinal fluid to flow Wernicke's Area Region of the brain where spoken language is understood
According to the website Neuroscience for Kids, there are four key facts about neuroplasticity: 1. It can vary by age; while plasticity occurs throughout the lifetime, certain types of changes are more predominant during specific life ages. 2. It involves a variety of processes; plasticity is ongoing throughout life and involves brain cells other than neurons, including glial and vascular cells. 3. It can happen for two different reasons; as a result of learning, experience and memory formation, or as a result of damage to the brain.

4. Environment plays an essential role in the process, but genetics can also have an influence. The first few years of a child's life are a time of rapid brain growth. At birth, every neuron in the cerebral cortex has an estimated 2,500 synapses; by age of three, this number has grown to a whopping 15,000 synapses per neuron. The average adult, however, has about half that number of synapses. Why? Because as we gain new experiences, some connections are strengthened while others are eliminated. This process is known as synaptic pruning. Neurons that are used frequently develop stronger connections and those that are rarely or never used eventually die. By developing new connections and pruning away weak ones, the brain is able to adapt to the changing environment. Types of Brain Plasticity Functional Plasticity: Refers to the brain's ability to move functions from a damaged area of the brain to other undamaged areas.

Structural Plasticity: Refers to the brain's ability to actually change its physical structure as a result of learning.