Functions of the forebrain - Hypermarket of knowledge. 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 a hard, soft and arachnoid, consisting of vessels, shell. Thanks to him, 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?

The structure of the brain

It is customary to divide the human intellect into five main parts, these are: cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum, oblong, middle and bridge. In some textbooks you can find a different classification. It states that the brain consists of the forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain, the trunk. Its composition is quite simple. It's even funny that such an important organ consists of everything - just water, minerals, lipids and proteins. Today we will talk in more detail about the structure and what are the functions of the forebrain.

Forebrain and its structure

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

Components and its functions

Hemispheres of the brain. One 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 sheath of neurons and gray matter arranged in columns in several layers. The surface of the hemispheres has the appearance of folds, convolutions and depressions, which are called furrows. It is these depressions that divide the brain into temporal, frontal, parietal and occipital parts. They are named after the bones they adjoin. In neurons, an analysis is made of nerve connections that come from outside, these are visual, auditory, and neurons responsible for muscle activity. Taste and olfactory neurons form divisions in the temporal lobe, and neurons responsible for behavior 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, and the right hemisphere is responsible for actions, logical circuits, face recognition, songs, pictures and more. 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 exactly the upper section of the diencephalon. It, in turn, is from the ventricle and paired formations. It is here that all information from the outside comes in, the initial assessment takes place and then goes further into the cortex of the human intellect. The hypothalamus is the lower part that performs the function of metabolism and the regulation of brain energy. In the centers of the hypothalamus there are nuclei that are responsible for various sensations. In combination with the components of the gray matter in the impulses given for motor activity.

Forebrain Functions

One of the leading functions of the human intellect is based on human communication and planning. It is thanks to this component that we can, in the process of communication, analyze, make decisions, and make assumptions. The anterior parts of the cerebral cortex are responsible for this. This site 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 a certain organ of it. The cerebral cortex is also responsible for this, covering the hemispheres that are the components of the forebrain. Weird. But you are unlikely to be able to remember what happened to you in early childhood, for example, up to two or three years. Right? This is all because during the first years of life, the process of maturation takes place in the cortex. And only after this period, she will be ready to perceive, analyze and store any information.

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

Abstract thinking and computational abilities. Also, quite important skills that help a person 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 particular topic and with what mood he plunges into it.

Speech. A very important aspect in human life, necessary for a fulfilling life. By the way, scientists have proven that people who communicate a lot, read to themselves, write. The least risk of getting 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

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

forebrain

If you ask someone to draw the contents of a human skull, most likely, the hemispheres will be schematically depicted. This is indeed one of the most visible 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 completely name all 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 just expanding their horizons, it will be much more entertaining 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 engaged in the regulation of metabolism, primitive reflexes and needs, as well as simple motor activity, then the hemispheres are the very place where conscious thoughts are born, where information is learned and memorized, and something new is created.

The hemispheres are also conditionally divided into several parts-zones: parietal, frontal, posterior and temporal. And here are the cells that are engaged, 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, in case of damage to one part of the brain, the other took over its tasks, that is, there is a certain interchangeability, but in the usual case, the situation can be as follows: the left hemisphere is engaged in the analysis of the intonation of the speech of another person, and the right hemisphere - the interpretation of the meaning of what was said. That is why left-handers and right-handers, who have more developed different parts, think a little differently.

Also, the functions of the forebrain include memory, various reactions to external stimuli, planning and building future scenarios and situations. There is also a speech center here. All higher nervous activity takes place here: creativity, reflections, 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. Each new skill and skill, learned word, any important information - all this forms new neural connections. And this kind of card 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. With age, this figure decreases.
The brain consumes the largest amount of energy among human organs - about 20%. This is a huge figure, given 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. Not so many centers can really work at the same time, but one way or another they are all involved.

They are diverse, but the main difference between a person is a uniquely developed forebrain, and therefore most of the higher functions that distinguish a person from animals are performed by this particular department. 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 brain regions associated with intelligence.

The newest function of the forebrain is planning and communication. This component of intelligence allows us to choose strategies in the process of communication that will be beneficial in the long run. This is done by the anterior lobes of the cerebral cortex. This department is responsible for the ability to reflect, recall the past and critically evaluate our activities, think through possible scenarios of events and decide 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 should not blame only your biological characteristics for sloppiness. This feature can be developed.

All students and schoolchildren do not doubt 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 until we were two years old? Because the area of the cortex, which is responsible for conscious memory, was still immature. Recent studies allow us to conclude that the storage of information is located in those areas where the impulse came from the sense organs, so different types of memory are associated with different areas in the brain. However, satiety and fatigue are characteristic of all zones, therefore it is critical for a good memory to sleep enough (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 break your day into two parts with an afternoon nap.

Emotions closely related to memory used by the very best teachers and leaders. They present the material so vividly that the students or workers have a strong emotional trace in the mind, and a person does not even have to make an effort to remember. Emotions are not only related to our performance, but also to immunity. In people who constantly experience negative emotions, the number of cells that fight the development of pathogens penetrating us is reduced. Also, negative emotions increase the level of cortisol, which destroys the brain. Therefore, you need to try to deceive the areas in the brain that are responsible for emotions. How to do it? Force the facial muscles to relax, then force yourself to smile artificially. You will immediately feel how the mood changes. This function of the forebrain is given insufficient importance in our rational world, but repressed emotions take revenge on a person with illnesses very cruelly. Different departments of a person are responsible for emotions, not only the forebrain, but also the cerebellum works.

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 is less likely to get it. So talk, read to yourself, write - and you will be healthy for a very long time. At least three zones in the brain are responsible for speech: part of the frontal gyrus, the back of the auditory cortex of the brain, and the islet of Reil 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 confirmed by the fact that for most highly paid professions it is critical to have a good analytical function of the brain. The basic level of mathematical abilities is approximately the same for everyone, and a lot depends on the attitude to this activity and mood. It is also interesting that good musicians often have impressive mathematical abilities.

Spatial thinking- also a very useful "in life" function. It includes a whole range of skills - this is the ability to notice details, and the ability to form a layout of parts and compare existing data on similar structures with new ones. Busy with this process, basically the same areas that are responsible for vision.

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

The brain can be safely called the "personal computer" of a person. After all, it is he who gives commands to perform certain functions of the vital activity 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 consists of the diencephalon and the 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 of the vegetative functions of the human body, namely metabolism, regulating our body temperature, breathing, feeling thirsty and hungry.
The cerebral hemispheres are divided into right and left. Remarkably, 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 the analytical thinking of a person, processing verbal information.
In general, the cerebral hemispheres are especially strongly interconnected, they complement each other's work. Together they are responsible for thinking, memory, speech, the accumulation of experience and the analysis of information.
The middle section of the brain connects the anterior and posterior sections, at the same time, performing the functions of visual and auditory organs. This department also ensures that the muscles are kept in good shape.
The posterior part of the brain includes: the cerebellum, the pons and the 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 for 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 a great complement to each other, which allows us to maintain the vital activity of our body, to feel, feel and enjoy life.

The forebrain is the most rostral branch of the nervous system. It consists of (bark) and basal ganglia. The latter, being in the cortex, are located between the frontal parts of the brain and the diencephalon. These nuclear structures include the shell, which together make up the striatum. It got its name due to the alternation of gray matter, consisting of nerve cells, and white. These elements of the brain, together with the pale ball, which is called the pallidum, form the striopallidar 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 composition of the basal ganglia includes having a very diverse cellular composition. In the pale ball are large and small neurons. The striatum has a similar cellular organization. The neurons of the striopallidar system receive impulses from the cerebral cortex, thalamus, and stem nuclei.

What are the functions of the subcortical nuclei?

The nuclei of the striopallidar 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. In the process of studying, it was found out that it is important in the processes of memorizing movements. The irritating effect on this structure disrupts learning. It has an inhibitory effect on motor activity and its emotional components, for example, on aggressive reactions.

cerebral cortex

The forebrain includes a formation 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 is made up of a huge number of nerve cells. Due to this, the number of synoptic connections is very large; this ensures the processes of storing and processing the information received. Based on the appearance and evolution, ancient, old and new bark are distinguished. During the period of mammalian evolution, the new cortex developed especially rapidly. The ancient bark in its composition has olfactory bulbs and tracts, olfactory tubercles. The composition of the old includes the cingulate gyrus, the amygdala and the gyrus of the hippocampus. The remaining areas belong to the new crust.

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

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

2nd - called external granular. It consists of small neurons of various 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 that reaches the caudal sections 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 closer study of it showed differences 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 experiments on animals, with an irritating effect on the old bark, effects associated with the digestive system appear: chewing, swallowing, peristalsis. Also, the 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, the limbic region and the forebrain (ancient and old cortex), form which maintains homeostasis and ensures the preservation of the species.