Functions of the forebrain - Knowledge Hypermarket. Functions of the cerebral hemisphere of the forebrain

The human brain is an organ of the nervous system, which consists of a large number of nerve cells and processes that are closely connected. The number of neurons is approximately one hundred billion, which keep the entire body under control. The brain is under triple protection; it is hard, soft and arachnoid, consisting of blood vessels. It is thanks to him that humanity has achieved all the results that we have today. So what is this organ? What is the forebrain and what functions does it perform?

Brain structure

It is customary to divide human intelligence into five main parts: the cerebral hemispheres, the cerebellum, the medulla oblongata, the median and the pons. In some textbooks you can find a different classification. It states that the brain consists of the forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain, and brainstem. Its composition is quite simple. It’s even funny that such an important organ consists of nothing but water, minerals, lipids and proteins. Today we will talk in more detail about the structure and functions of the forebrain.

Forebrain and its structure

The forebrain is quite complex. Everyone knows it very well, and when we mention this organ, a picture of two hemispheres immediately comes to mind. It's right. Gray matter is divided into sections: the cerebral hemispheres and the diencephalon. If we talk about a more detailed division and go deeper into this topic, we can single out: the basal ganglia, the cerebrum, the hippocampus and the limbic system - a complex that consists of structures responsible for visceral, motivational and emotional sensations. Such a fairly extensive structure of the human forebrain will be of little interest to a person far from medical science, so in this article we will refer to the first classification and talk about the structure of which in more detail.

Components and its functions

Hemispheres of the brain. Some of the important components that are separated by the posteroanterior cavity. The parts are connected by the corpus callosum - this is a white wall. The upper ball itself is covered with a shell of neurons and gray matter, arranged in columns in several layers. The surface of the hemispheres has the form of folds, convolutions and depressions, which are called grooves. It is these depressions that divide the brain into the temporal, frontal, parietal and occipital parts. They are named after the bones they are adjacent to. In neurons, the analysis of nerve connections that come from outside is carried out, these are visual, auditory, and neurons responsible for muscle activity. Gustatory and olfactory neurons are located in the temporal lobe, while behavioral neurons are located in the anterior gray matter. The central zone is responsible for human activity.

The main feature of the hemispheres is that they differ significantly from each other. For right-handed people, the neurons responsible for speech are located in the left hemisphere, and the right hemisphere is responsible for actions, logical chains, recognition of faces, songs, paintings and other things. Under the influence of external stimuli, experience is created and accumulated. In the hemispheres, to summarize and say briefly, the main centers are formed that interact with the most complex patterns of behavior, instincts and memory.

The diencephalon consists of three parts: lower, upper and central. Everyone has heard the word thalamus at least once - this is precisely the upper part of the diencephalon. It, in turn, is made up of the ventricle and paired formations. This is where all information from outside comes in, the initial assessment takes place and then passes further into the cortex of the human intellect. The hypothalamus is the lower part, which performs the function of metabolism and regulates brain energy. In the centers of the hypothalamus there are nuclei that are responsible for various sensations. In combination with the components of gray matter in impulses supplied for motor activity.

Functions of the forebrain

One of the leading functions of human intelligence is based on human communication and planning. It is thanks to this component that we can analyze, make decisions, and make assumptions in the process of communication. The anterior parts of the cerebral cortex are responsible for this. This area allows a person to remember the past, analyze and compare with the present, evaluate words and actions.

Memory- another wonderful ability of the human body and its specific organ. The cerebral cortex, which covers the hemispheres, which are components of the forebrain, is also responsible for this. Strange. But you are unlikely to be able to remember what happened to you in early childhood, for example, until you were two or three years old. Right? This is all because during the first years of life, a maturation process occurs in the cortex. And only after this period will it be ready to perceive, analyze and store any information.

Emotions. There is already scientific evidence of how emotions affect the human brain. Positive ones have a beneficial effect, while negative ones, on the contrary, destroy it. Not only the anterior part of the gray matter, but also the cerebellum is responsible for a person’s emotional state.

Abstract thinking and computational abilities. Also, these are quite important skills that can help a person out more than once in life. The analytical abilities of each person are approximately equal, and the level of intelligence depends on how passionate a person is about a certain topic and in what mood he immerses himself in it.

Speech. A very important aspect in a person’s life, necessary for a full life. By the way, scientists have proven that people who communicate a lot read to themselves and write. People are at the least risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (partial or complete memory loss, lack of abstract thinking, and loss of even simple, everyday skills, such as how to dress).

This is an extremely complex system. Thanks to this organ, people have reached the level of development that is observed now. What does he represent?

Evolutionary development

The modern school biology course covers topics from simple to complex. First we talk about cells, protozoa, bacteria, plants, fungi. Later there is a transition to animals and humans. To some extent, this reflects the hypothetical course of evolution. Looking at the structure of, for example, worms, it is easy to notice that it is much simpler than that of humans or higher animals. But these organisms have something important - a nerve ganglion that performs the functions of the brain.

Forebrain

If you ask someone to draw the contents of a human skull, they will most likely draw a diagram of the hemispheres. This is truly one of the most noticeable and largest parts. But the forebrain also contains the medulla oblongata. In general, their structure is quite complex. And if we take into account a more detailed division, then we can even name all the parts of the forebrain:

hippocampus;
basal ganglia;
big brain.

Of course, there is an even more detailed division, but, as a rule, it is of interest only to specialists. Well, for those who are simply expanding their horizons, it will be much more interesting to find out what all these departments are doing. So what are the functions of the forebrain? And why are there differences between the thinking of right-handers and left-handers?

Functions

The forebrain includes the most recently developed parts. And this means that it is thanks to them that a person has the qualities that he has. And if the diencephalon is mainly concerned with the regulation of metabolism, primitive reflexes and needs, as well as simple motor activity, then the hemispheres are the very place where conscious thoughts arise, where learning and memorization of information occurs, and something new is created.

The hemispheres are also conventionally divided into several parts-zones: parietal, frontal, posterior and temporal. And here there are cells that are involved, among other things, in the analysis of information coming from outside: visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory and tactile centers.

The most interesting thing is that from a functional point of view, the left and right hemispheres are different. Of course, there are cases when, when one part of the brain was damaged, another took over its tasks, that is, there is a certain interchangeability, but in a normal case the situation could be like this: the left hemisphere is engaged in analyzing the intonation of another person’s speech, and the right hemisphere is engaged in interpreting the meaning of what was said. This is why left-handers and right-handers, who have more developed different parts, think slightly differently.

Also, the functions of the forebrain include memory, various reactions to external stimuli, planning and constructing future scenarios and situations. The speech center is also located here. All higher nervous activity takes place here: creativity, reflection, ideas.

It is also quite interesting that the forebrain actively develops not only in the prenatal period, but also in the first few years of life. Every new skill and skill, a learned word, any important information - all this forms new neural connections. And this kind of map is unique for each person.

Thinking abilities do not depend on the mass of the brain, but correlate with such a value as the number of convolutions.
The speed of signals between neurons reaches 288 kilometers per hour. As you get older, this figure decreases.
The brain consumes the largest amount of energy among human organs - about 20%. This is a huge indicator, considering that its mass in relation to the body is only 2%. Also, for its normal operation, a sufficient amount of fluid in the body is necessary.
The statement that the brain uses only 10% of its resources is a myth. Indeed, not many centers can work at the same time, but one way or another they are all involved.

They are varied, but the main difference between humans is the uniquely developed forebrain, and therefore most of the higher functions that distinguish humans from animals are performed by this section. The author of this article had the opportunity to read the most interesting and modern literature on this issue, so you can read about the functions of the parts of the brain associated with intelligence.

The newest function of the forebrain is planning and communication. This component of intelligence allows us to choose strategies during communication that will be beneficial in the long term. The anterior lobes of the cerebral cortex are involved in this. This department is responsible for the ability to think, remember the past and critically evaluate our activities, think through possible scenarios of events and solve the good old Hamlet question of whether we should act or not. Our organization depends on the degree of maturity of this area of the brain. So the functions of the forebrain are not such knowledge abstracted from life. Although, of course, you shouldn’t blame only your biological characteristics for sloppiness. This function can be developed.

All students and schoolchildren have no doubt about the importance of such a function of the forebrain as memory. This is also a function of the cerebral cortex. Why don't we remember what happened to us before we were two years old? Because the area of the cortex that is responsible for conscious memory was still immature. Recent research allows us to conclude that information storage is located in those zones where the impulse from the sensory organs has arrived, therefore different types of memory are associated with different zones in the brain. However, all zones are characterized by satiety and fatigue, so it is critical for good memory to get enough sleep (at least 7 hours), because it is during sleep that the brain transfers data from temporary resources to permanent ones. Therefore, when preparing for exams, it is good to split your day into two parts with an afternoon nap.

Emotions closely related to memory what the best teachers and leaders use. They present the material so vividly that students or workers leave a strong emotional imprint in their minds, and the person doesn’t even have to make an effort to remember. Emotions are not only associated with our performance, but also with immunity. In people who constantly experience negative emotions, the number of cells that fight the development of pathogens that penetrate inside us decreases. Negative emotions also increase cortisol levels, which damage the brain. Therefore, you need to try to deceive the areas in the brain responsible for emotions. How to do it? Force your facial muscles to relax, then force yourself to smile artificially. You will immediately feel your mood change. This function of the forebrain is not given enough importance in our rational world, but suppressed emotions very cruelly take revenge on a person through illness. Different parts of a person are responsible for emotions; not only the forebrain works, but also the cerebellum.

Function speeches is critical for a person to feel good in society. Scientists, in addition, have noticed that a person who constantly shows speech activity has less risk of getting So talk, read to yourself, write - and you will be healthy for a very long time. At least three areas in the brain are responsible for speech: part of the frontal gyrus, the posterior part of the auditory cortex of the brain, and the insula of Reille hidden in the depths.

Mathematical ability are very important for us in everyday life, even if girls allow themselves to make mistakes from time to time, attributing everything to “female logic.” The importance of this forebrain function is demonstrated by the fact that good analytical brain function is critical to most high-paying jobs. The basic level of mathematical abilities is approximately the same for everyone, and a lot depends on the attitude towards this activity and mood. Another interesting thing is that good musicians often have impressive mathematical skills.

Spatial thinking- also a very useful “in life” function. It includes a whole range of skills - the ability to notice details, and the ability to form a diagram of the arrangement of parts and compare existing data on similar structures with new ones. This process is mainly occupied by the same areas that are responsible for vision.

As you can see, the forebrain is the basis of our intelligence, the article talked about the different functions that are components of intelligence. For those interested in the details, I recommend the book by David Gamon and Allen Bragdon, called “Superbrain. Manual."

The brain can easily be called a person’s “personal computer”. After all, it is he who gives commands to perform certain vital functions of our body.
The brain consists of several zones, each of which is responsible for certain actions of the body and performs a number of functions. Scientists distinguish three main sections of this vital organ, namely: anterior, posterior and middle. In turn, each of these departments has its own structure.
The forebrain section includes the diencephalon and cerebral hemispheres. The first is responsible for the functioning of the internal organs of the body and coordinates the work between them. Also, this part of the brain takes responsibility for performing some vegetative functions of the human body, namely metabolism, regulation of our body temperature, breathing, feelings of thirst and hunger.
The large hemispheres of the brain are divided into right and left. What is noteworthy is that the right is responsible for the left side of the body, and the left, respectively, for the right. The right side is responsible for abstract thinking, that is, it processes non-verbal information, perceiving the world in images and symbols. People whose right hemisphere is more developed than the left are predisposed to creativity. The left hemisphere is responsible for human analytical thinking, processing verbal information.
In general, the cerebral hemispheres are especially strongly connected with each other; they complement each other’s work. Together they are responsible for thinking, memory, speech, accumulation of experience and analysis of information.
The middle section of the brain connects the anterior and posterior sections, while at the same time performing the functions of the visual and auditory organs. This department also ensures that muscles are toned.
The posterior part of the brain includes the cerebellum, pons and medulla oblongata. The cerebellum is responsible for maintaining body posture, balance and coordination. The bridge is responsible for the functionality of the facial muscles, namely our facial expressions. The medulla oblongata takes responsibility for the proper functioning of the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems.
All parts of the brain are interconnected and are an excellent complement to each other, which allows us to maintain the vital functions of our body, sense, feel and enjoy life.

The forebrain is the most rostral part of the nervous system. It consists of (cortex) and basal ganglia. The latter, located in the cortex, are located between the frontal parts of the brain and the diencephalon. These nuclear structures include the putamen, which together make up the striatum. It got its name due to the alternation of gray matter, consisting of nerve cells, and white matter. These elements of the brain, together with the globus pallidus, which is called the pallidum, form the striopallidal system. This system in mammals, including humans, is the main nuclear apparatus and is involved in the processes of motor behavior and other important functions.

The basal ganglia have a very diverse cellular composition. The globus pallidus contains large and small neurons. The striatum has a similar cellular organization. The neurons of the striopallidal system receive impulses from the cerebral cortex, thalamus, and brainstem nuclei.

What functions do the subcortical nuclei perform?

The nuclei of the striopallidal system are also involved in motor activity. Irritation of the caudate nucleus causes stereotypical head turns and trembling movements of the arms or forelimbs in animals. During the study, it was found that it is important in the processes of memorizing movements. An irritating effect on this structure also disrupts learning. has an inhibitory effect on motor activity and its emotional components, for example on aggressive reactions.

Cerebral cortex

The forebrain includes a structure called the cortex. It is considered the youngest formation of the brain. Morphologically, the cortex consists of gray matter that covers the entire brain and has a large area due to numerous folds and convolutions. Gray matter consists of a huge number of nerve cells. Due to this, the number of synoptic connections is very large, which ensures the processes of storing and processing the received information. Based on the appearance and evolution, ancient, old and new bark are distinguished. During the evolution of mammals, the neocortex developed especially rapidly. The ancient cortex contains olfactory bulbs and tracts, olfactory tubercles. The old one includes the cingulate gyrus, amygdala and hippocampal gyrus. The remaining areas belong to the neocortex.

The nerve cells of the cerebral cortex are arranged in layers and in an orderly manner, forming six layers in their composition:

1st - called molecular, formed by a plexus of nerve fibers and contains a minimal number of nerve cells.

2nd - called external granular. It consists of small neurons of different shapes, similar to grains.

3rd - consists of pyramidal neurons.

4th - internal granular, like the outer layer, consists of small neurons.

5th - contains Betz cells (giant pyramidal cells). The processes of these cells (axons) form a pyramidal tract, which reaches the caudal areas and passes into the anterior roots

6th - multiform, consists of triangular and spindle-shaped neurons.

Although the neural organization of the cortex has much in common, a more detailed study of it showed differences that appear in the course of the fibers, the size and number of cells and the branching of their detritus. By studying, a map of the crust was compiled, which includes 11 regions and 52 fields.

What is the forebrain responsible for??

Very often, ancient and old bark are combined. They form the olfactory brain. The forebrain is also responsible for alertness and attention, and is involved in autonomic reactions. The system takes part in instinctive behavior and the formation of emotions. In animal experiments, when the old cortex is irritated, effects associated with the digestive system appear: chewing, swallowing, peristalsis. Also, an irritating effect on the tonsils causes a change in the function of internal organs (kidneys, uterus, bladder). Some areas of the cortex are involved in memory processes.

Together, the hypothalamus, limbic region and forebrain (ancient and old cortex) form which maintains homeostasis and ensures the preservation of the species.