The brain – structure, functions, injuries and diseases. How to nourish the brain?

Proven content

The brain is one of the most important organs in our body. It has a very complicated structure. The brain (brainstem, brain, cerebellum) and the spinal cord form the central nervous system. The brain controls many life processes, including heart function and breathing. Before we start performing any activity, various centers are activated in the brain. How? What to eat to make the brain function better? We check what damage can occur within the brain and how to care for it.

It is worth knowing that our brains differ in terms of parameters – mass and volume. The average weight of a human brain is between 1200 and 1400 grams. The volume, on the other hand, is related to our gender. The female organ is slightly smaller at 1100 cubic centimeters, and the male organ is 1250 cubic centimeters. It is known that an infant’s brain is much smaller, weighing around 300 grams.

Human brain development takes place in the prenatal period, but also after birth. What about intelligence? The prevailing opinion among experts is that the mass or volume of the brain has nothing to do with IQ. There is one more issue, which is working on our mental performance. How to improve it? Learning is the key to success. In this case, acquiring and remembering new information makes the brain work better. Logic puzzles or reading books also have a positive effect on development.

An important aspect for the efficiency of our mind is also diet, hydration and an adequate amount of sleep. Interestingly, the human brain is active all the time, even when we are asleep. According to experts, our brain uses 20 percent of all energy produced by the human body during the day. In addition, it is worth mentioning that in humans one of the cerebral hemispheres is the dominant one.

See also: The brains of babies understand speech just like the brains of adults

Structure of the brain – cerebral hemispheres

Brain (brain) – it is the largest part of the brain composed of two hemispheres. They are separated from each other by a gap, but there are connections between them in the form of nerve fibers. In humans, one of the hemispheres is dominant. Externally, the hemispheres are made of gray matter with nerve cells – neurons. Below it is white matter with the fibers of nerve cells – axons.

There are bends and gaps in the hemispheres. The hemispheres of the brain can also be divided into lobes. The first is the frontal lobe, which is responsible for speech, coordination, concentration and planning. Another is the temporal lobe, which is related to our hearing and smell. The next one is the parietal lobe, which is responsible for pain sensation or orientation in space. The fourth lobe is the occipital, associated with vision. There is one more lobe – the marginal lobe, also known as the limbic lobe.

Structure of the brain – the brain stem

Brainstem (brain stem) – consists of three elements, i.e. the midbrain, the bridge and the medulla. The task of the brain stem is to direct the basic life activities of a person. The centers in it control breathing, heart function, as well as arterial blood pressure and thermoregulation. The brain stem is also a reticular formation that is related to maintaining the state of consciousness and the nucleus of individual cranial nerves. The farthest part of the brain stem – the medulla – turns into the spinal cord extending in the spinal canal.

Structure of the brain – the cerebellum

Cerebellum (cerebrum) – it is the second largest part of the entire brain. In the cerebellum, as in the brain, there are two hemispheres. They are connected by the worm of the cerebellum. There are three lobes in both hemispheres. They are the anterior, flocculent and posterior lobe. The tasks of the cerebellum include controlling the body’s motor functions. This part of our brain is responsible for the precision and smoothness of the movements we make. Thanks to the cerebellum, we can maintain balance and maintain proper muscle tone.

Structure of the brain – interbrain

Interbrain (diencephalon) – this part is located under the hemispheres of the brain and consists of the thalamus, hypothalamus, the nervous part of the pituitary gland and the pineal gland. Before the nerve impulses reach the cortex of the brain, they first reach the thalamus. In turn, the hypothalamus is responsible for the secretion of many different hormones that control, for example, the activity of the pituitary gland.

It should also be added that the hypothalamus is also responsible for phenomena related to nutrition, reproduction and controls body temperature. As for the nervous part of the pituitary gland, it must be said that it collects hormones produced by the hypothalamus (oxytocin and vasopressin). The pineal gland, for example due to the secretion of melatonin, is responsible for regulating the human circadian rhythm.

The brain it’s also the limbic system, the sheaths the brain, arterial and venous vascularization, ventricular system and cellular elements.

The limbic system – processes such as emotions, motivation or remembering are associated with it, and the system itself is also responsible for the autonomic activities of the nervous system. The limbic system includes elements of the central nervous system that belong to various parts of the brain, such as the amygdala, mammary bodies, thalamus, hippocampus and corpus callosum.

Brain covers – they provide the necessary protection against numerous factors. The covers of the brain consist of the meninges of the brain, that is: the dura mater, is the outermost and adjacent to the skull; underneath, spider mite (so-called spider mite); and the dura mater, which is the lowest of all and is directly adjacent to the brain. In addition, it should be mentioned that between the soft tire and the spider web there is also the so-called the subarachnoid space, which in turn contains the cerebrospinal fluid, also responsible for the protection of the brain.

Arterial and venous vascularization – it is very important because the arterial blood, rich in oxygen, reaches the brain thanks to the internal carotid arteries and vertebral arteries. Their branches, in turn, form the so-called Willis’ arterial circle, from which the direct vessels to individual parts of the brain extend. As for the oxygen-deprived blood coming from the brain, it is drained through the venous system, among which there are superficial veins and deep veins of the brain. The blood first goes to the sinuses of the brain and from there to the internal jugular vein.

Ventricular system – consists of many parts and is responsible for the proper circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. It consists of four parts: two lateral ventricles, the third ventricle and the fourth ventricle (within these structures there are choroidal plexuses responsible for the production of cerebrospinal fluid). In both hemispheres of the brain there is one lateral chamber and it should be added that each of them has special holes, the so-called Monro openings, which connect the lateral ventricles and the third chamber, which in turn is located in the diencephalon.

In turn, the brain’s water supply, the so-called Sylwiusz’s water supply, which passes through the midbrain and ends within the fourth chamber. The fourth ventricle is located between the cerebellum and the brainstem and has three openings: the even Luschka openings and one Magendi opening. From these openings, the cerebrospinal fluid enters the subarachnoid space.

Cell elements – the structure of the brain is very complex, and this is evidenced by, for example, the number of cells located in this part of the human body. According to the data, it is assumed that there are almost 100 billion neurons in the brain, and a similar number of other cells. The so-called glial cells, which include, among others: oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, ependymal cells and microglial cells.

Find out more: What is brain death?

Types of injuries that cause damage to the brain

Doctors typically divide brain damage from trauma into two categories: traumatic and non-traumatic.

Traumatic brain injuries result from hitting, shaking, or severe rotational trauma to the head that damages the brain. Examples of such injuries include:

1. Closed head trauma – is a head injury that occurs when an external force, such as a blow to the head, does not penetrate the skull but causes damage and swelling of the brain.
2. Concussion – this trauma causes impairment of brain function. This could be the result of a closed or penetrating head injury.
3. Contusion – is a bruise or bleeding in the brain caused by a blow or a shock to the head.
4. Open head trauma – it is a type of brain injury caused by a bullet, knife or other sharp object.
5. Shaken baby syndrome (SBS – shaken baby syndrome) – occurs due to excessive shaking of a small child.

Doctors may also call non-traumatic brain injury acquired brain injury. We are talking about damage, e.g .:

1. Non-toxic / hypoxic – this is damage to the brain cells due to a lack of oxygen.
2. Infection / inflammation of the brain – infections such as meningitis can damage the brain.
3. Guz – can include brain cancer and cancer related diseases.

Also read: Brain damage disrupts sleep

Diagnosis and treatment of brain damage

When diagnosing a brain injury, a doctor will first consider the person’s symptoms and the events that led to the injury. He may, for example, ask if other people have seen the person pass out and for how long. It is also considered whether the person is behaving more differently from his usual behavior or whether he or she speaks and reacts to others normally.

Doctors will also perform other types of tests to determine the extent of your injury. Examples of such studies include:

1. Imaging tests – can reveal tumors, bleeding, or other brain damage;
2. Blood tests and electrolyte imbalance – can reveal the causes and effects of injuries and damage;
3. Brain Assessment – Doctors have developed a series of tests that target specific areas of the brain such as memory, problem solving, and concentration;

There are many potential causes of brain damage. Additional tests may depend on a person’s symptoms and the type of injury.

Treatment for brain injury depends on the type of injury and the person’s symptoms. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke it is estimated that 50 percent of patients with severe head injuries require surgery. This happens when there is significant bleeding in the brain, tumor, or foreign bodies inside the skull, or in the brain itself.

The surgeon may use special tools to monitor a person’s intracranial pressure or to drain blood or cerebrospinal fluid. This can help reduce pressure in the brain and prevent continual injury. If a person has a serious brain injury or has had other physical injuries, a doctor may insert a breathing tube to aid breathing while the brain and body heal.

Doctors may also administer antibiotics to treat the infection or medications for electrolyte imbalance. After the most acute stages of brain damage have healed, doctors may recommend treatments such as:

1. occupational therapy;
2. physical therapy;
3. psychotherapy;
4. speech / language therapy.

A brain injury may require time and effort for a person to recover. Some people may never fully recover from their cognitive functions before an injury. Over time and during treatment, doctors can work with the person and their loved ones to establish realistic expectations for recovery.

we recommend: Cell phones increase brain activity

These substances include:

1. Lecithin improves memory and concentration. Egg yolks, nuts, liver, salt and avocados contain it;
2. Flavonols provide protection of molecular structures responsible for memory. They can be found in: strawberries, black currants or sea buckthorn;
3. Anthocyanins, designed to seal blood vessels and improve blood circulation, thus improving the brain’s access to food. We can find them in: hibiscus flowers or blueberry bilberries;
4. Epicatechins are involved in the reconstruction of damaged parts of the brain, stimulate the production of the bdnf protein and reduce the risk of neurological complications;
5. Magnesium reverses the effects of brain neurodegeneration, which in turn can result in Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss. A great source of magnesium can be, for example, pumpkin seeds, buckwheat or magnesium water.

In addition, it is also worth considering supplementation: B vitamins, Omega 3 or Japanese knotweed root. You can also try the alpha-lipoic acid dietary supplement available on Medonet Market. It is also worth remembering about herbs such as:

1. Gotu kola – supports neural bonds, thanks to which it improves memory, learning ability and concentration;
2. Ginko biloba – has protective properties against nerve cells (neuroprotective properties);
3. Ginseng – thanks to the content of ginsenosides, it improves the oxygenation of the body’s tissues, which in turn increases the body’s ability to make more effort, not only physically but also mentally;
4. Turmeric – cleans the brain of proteins called beta amyloids that reside in the brain and are the cause of many diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Turmeric contains curcumin, which, by stimulating neurons, supports the work of the brain and strengthens the nervous system. Dr Jacob’s offers a high-quality curcumin dietary supplement – NeuraCur, which you can buy at a good price at medonetmarket.pl. The DO! Focus DOUBLE-PACK also perfectly affects the nervous system – supporting the proper functioning of the brain with vitamin B12 and other ingredients of natural origin.

Find out more: Overeating ages the brain!

Factors disrupting the work of the brain

1. Sugar (sucrose) – is responsible for inhibiting the formation of BDNF, and more specifically the brain hormone, involved in the production of new brain neurons,
2. Stress – is responsible for the degeneration of the entire nervous system (including the degeneration of brain cells),
3. Multi tasking,
4. Too little exercise, resulting in brain hypoxia and cell death,
5. Stimulants (alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, environmental and food toxins),
6. Inflammation (causing brain fog).

Supporting the brain and stimulating, for example, a supplement in the form of BoostMe Now Health Labs capsules – when you need to stimulate quickly.

We also recommend: Blueberries slow the aging of the brain

But what should you do to keep your brain in good condition? Undertake activities that will stimulate the brain to various work. Such intense work will cause the formation of new nerve cells, as well as the densification of the connection between the cells that are already present in the brain.

The activities that stimulate our brain include, for example:

1. Playing an instrument (especially if you’ve never done it) because a new activity will force your brain to make an effort;
2. Learning foreign languages ​​- according to conducted research, new nerve connections are formed in our brain within a few weeks of learning a new language. At the same time, concentration will improve, as well as the overall efficiency of the brain’s work;
3. Learning sports – according to specialists, new movements acquired during learning have a positive effect on those areas of the brain that are responsible for motor coordination and body control. In addition, regular exercise improves blood flow to areas of the brain that in turn are responsible for learning and memory;   
4. Making new friends – contacting new people has a very good effect on the condition of our brain, and additionally helps us to de-stress and get rid of negative emotions, which in turn reduces the secretion of cortisol, thanks to which the aging processes are slowed down;
5. Solving crosswords, logic puzzles or puzzles.

A good exercise for the brain will be even forcing yourself to do everyday things the other way around, such as e.g. using your left hand more often (if you are right-handed) or reading the text upside down.

To support the work of the brain, it is worth drinking an infusion prepared with Brain Booster – a mixture of herbs that stimulate brain cells.

Also read: Modafinil – the first safe brain doping?

Myths about the brain

We only use 10 percent of the brain’s capacity

It’s a myth that we only use 10 percent of our brain’s capacity. We actually use 100 percent of its capabilities (even when we’re asleep). Neurologists confirm that the brain is always active.

The brain damage is permanent

While we often think of brain injuries as permanent, a person’s ability to recover from such damage depends on the severity and location of the injury. For example, a blow to the head during a soccer game can lead to a concussion. While it can be quite serious, most people can recover when given enough time to heal. On the other hand, a severe stroke can have dire consequences for the brain and the damage can be permanent. However, it should be remembered that the human brain has impressive plasticity. Even after a serious brain injury, such as a stroke, the brain can often heal itself over time and form new connections.

Dominance of one of the hemispheres of the brain

This claim is due to the popular belief that humans are dominated by the right or left hemisphere of the brain. According to this idea, people with a “right hemisphere” tend to be more creative and expressive, while those with a “left hemisphere” tend to be more analytical and logical.

While experts recognize that there is laterality in brain function (that is, some types of tasks and thinking are more related to a specific region of the brain), there is no distinction between people with a dominant left or right hemisphere. In fact, we’re better at tasks that use the entire brain, even for things that are usually related to a specific area of ​​the brain.

People have the biggest brains

The human brain is quite large in proportion to its body size, but another common misconception is that humans have the largest brains of any living organism on the planet. How big is the human brain? How does it compare with other genres? The largest animal brain belongs to the sperm whale and weighs as much as 8 kilograms! Another large-brained animal is the elephant, with an average brain of around 5 kilograms.

But what about the relative size of the brain in relation to the size of the body? People must have the biggest brains by body size, right? Once again, this concept is also a myth. Surprisingly, the one animal with the highest body-to-brain size ratio is the shrew, whose brain makes up about 10% of its body weight.

Brain cells die permanently

In recent years, experts have found evidence that the adult brain creates new cells throughout life, even in old age. The process of creating new brain cells is called neurogenesis, and scientists have found that it occurs in at least one important region of the brain called the hippocampus.

Each brain has a preferred learning style

This view suggests that each person has a preferred learning style that helps them best assimilate new information. For example, one popular theory is that humans are more auditory, visual, or kinesthetic. In other words, some people learn best by listening, by seeing, or by doing. While this is an attractive concept, few studies suggest that style-based learning actually has any effect on the learning outcomes.

The brain – interesting facts

1. Sixty percent of the human brain is made up of fat. This not only makes it the most fat-rich organ in the human body, but it also makes fatty acids critical to brain performance.
2. The brain is not fully formed until the age of 25. Brain development begins at the back of the brain and moves forward. Therefore, the frontal lobes that control planning and reasoning are the last to strengthen and build connections.
3. The capacity of the brain is considered to be virtually limitless. Research suggests that the human brain is made up of approximately 86 billion neurons. Each neuron makes connections with other neurons, which can make up to 1 quadrillion (1000 trillion) connections. Over time, these neurons can connect to increase our memory capacity. However, in Alzheimer’s disease, for example, many neurons can become damaged and stop working, especially affecting our ability to remember.
4. Information in the brain travels at an impressive speed of about 430 kilometers per hour. When a neuron is stimulated, it generates an electrical impulse that travels from cell to cell. Disruption of this regular data processing could result in a seizure.
5. The spinal cord stops growing on average when we are 4 years old. Our spinal cord, which consists of a bundle of nerve tissue and supporting cells, is responsible for sending messages from the brain to the entire body.
6. The spinal cord is the main source of communication between the body and the brain. ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) causes the death of neurons in the brain and spinal cord, affecting controlled muscle movement. Another disease that affects the brain and spinal cord is multiple sclerosis (MS). In MS, the immune system attacks the protective layer that covers the nerve fibers, causing communication problems between the brain and the body.
7. The so-called freezing the brain is actually wedge-palatal ganglioneuralgia. This pain occurs when the cold hits receptors in the outer shell of the brain called the meninges. The cold causes the arteries to widen and contract, causing a sharp headache.
8. A piece of brain tissue the size of a grain of sand contains 100 neurons and 000 billion synapses. However, damage to neurons can have a huge impact on our body. For example, during a stroke, the blood is unable to deliver oxygen to the brain. As a result, brain cells may die, and abilities in that particular area of ​​the brain may be lost. Similarly, Parkinson’s disease occurs when cells in a part of the brain called the black matter begin to die.
9. The human brain can produce about 23 watts of power (enough to run a light bulb). All this power, however, requires adequate rest. Adequate sleep helps maintain the pathways in the brain. In addition, lack of sleep can increase the build-up of protein in the brain that is associated with Alzheimer’s disease.