Brain (Human Anatomy): Picture, Function, Parts, Conditions, and More
Last Updated: Apr 08, 2023
Brain Image
Our brain is the device that operates as the controlling remote for our body. The brain is responsible for controlling every process that is taking place in a human body at every second. It is both one of the biggest organs in the human body as well as one of the most complicated.
In the same way that a remote control needs batteries that enable it to receive an energy source in order for it to operate, the nerves in the brain, of which there are billions, are responsible for performing this job. Through a process that we refer to as synapse, nerves interact with the brain and also transmit messages to other regions of the body.
Brain Functions
- Cortex: The cortex is the most external and protective layer of the brain. The primary tasks of this organ include control over voluntary movement and the capacity for thought.
- Brainstem: The brainstem is a structure that may be found in the middle of the head and the spinal cord. The brainstem is responsible for controlling functions such as breathing, often known as respiration, as well as sleep..
- Basal Ganglia: They are the collection of structures that can be seen in the middle of a human brain. It performs the role of a coordinator, transferring information and signals to various regions of the brain that are situated throughout the body.
- Cerebellum: Without adequate balance and coordination, a human body is unable to sit or stand in an appropriate manner. it is responsible for this inability. The base and the rear of the brain are together referred to as the cerebellum. It is accountable for the coordination and equilibrium that exist inside the human body. In addition, the brain is segmented into a number of lobes, each of which is responsible for a certain function of the brain.
- Frontal Lobe: the frontal lobes are in charge of problem solving, judgement, and motor function.
- Parietal Lobes: Sensation, penmanship, and body position are all under the control of the parietal lobes.
- Temporal Lobes: Memory and hearing are processes that are controlled by the temporal lobes,
- Occipital Lobes: the occipital lobes house the visual processing system of the brain.
- Meninges: The term 'meninges' refers to the numerous layers that cover and protect the brain.
- Cranium: The skull, often known as the cranium, serves as the primary protective barrier for the brain against a wide variety of trauma.
Brain Conditions
- Headache: Everyone is familiar with the term 'headache' since it is so prevalent among today's young people, and the majority of headaches may be attributed to an absence of pleasure in the sufferer. The severity of a headache is directly related to the capacity of the brain to tolerate pain. Headaches may range from mild to severe. Analgesics are often all that is required to treat this somewhat insignificant form of the condition (painkillers).
- Stroke Or Brain Infarction: when the circulation or blood flow of the body is disrupted, which results in the oxygen supply to an area of brain tissue not adequately reaching an area of brain tissue as per the necessities of the body, ultimately causing death. The majority of strokes in the brain are caused by bleeding, which is because bleeding causes blood to clot inside the brain.
- Brain Aneurysm: Aneurysm of the brain occurs when an artery in the brain swells and takes on the shape of a balloon as a result of pressure that is produced inside the artery. Under these circumstances, there is a risk of the enlarged artery rupturing, which, in turn, increases the risk of stroke.
- Subdural Hematoma: As the brain is protected from harm by the three membranes that surround it, bleeding has occurred either inside the dura mater or beneath the dura mater. The cause of this bleeding is unknown but is likely linked to underlying issues. There is a possibility that a subdural hematoma may put pressure on the brain, leading to neurological issues.
- Epidural Hematoma: It is a condition that occurs when there is bleeding between the dura mater of the brain and the brain itself owing to some kind of damage but to instantaneous haemorrhage (after some time of brain injury). If treatment is not received in a timely manner, the first symptoms will be moderate; nonetheless, they have the potential to quickly worsen, leading to unconsciousness and ultimately death.Intracerebral Haemorrhage: The term 'intracerebral haemorrhage' refers to any bleeding that occurs inside the brain itself.
- Concussion: Concussion is a general term that refers to any sort of brain damage that results in a momentary disruption in the normal functioning of the brain. Traumatic head traumas are the primary cause of this condition.
- Cerebral Edema: Edema is the medical term for swelling in any region of the body, and cerebral edema is the swelling of the brain tissue that occurs as a reaction to some damage or electrolyte imbalances. Edema may occur in any part of the body.
- Brain Tumour: Whether a tumour is malignant or benign depends on whether or not it has spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). It is a disorder characterised by the uncontrolled proliferation of tissues inside or within the brain. Either benign or malignant brain tumours will create difficulties due to the pressure that they impose on the tissues of the brain while the brain is in its normal state.
- Glioblastoma: It is a kind of tumour that develops in the brain and is considered to be malignant (cancerous). It is referred to as an aggressive type due to the fact that in this illness, the cells either develop quickly or divide uncontrolled, and it is quite challenging to treat.
- Hydrocephalus: It's A condition that occurs when the volume of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the skull increases due to repetitive or uncontrollable division of CSF. This is due to the fact that the CSF fluid does not flow in an appropriate manner in this aberrant situation.
- Meningitis: It is the medical term given to the condition that occurs when there is inflammation of the layers of the brain or of the spinal cord, most often as a result of an infection which can be caused by meningitis often manifest with symptoms such as stiffness in the neck, discomfort in the neck area, headache, fever, and even drowsiness.
- Encephalitis: there is an inflammation of the tissue of the brain that occurs as a result of an infection caused by a virus. In most cases, those suffering with encephalitis will exhibit symptoms such as fever, headache, and disorientation while thinking or doing tasks.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): It stands for traumatic brain injury, which refers to irreversible brain damage brought on by traumatic harm. Mental impairment, or personality changes on a more subtle level (difficulty in analysing things), and changes in mood may also occur when schizophrenia is present.
- Parkinson's Disease: it is characterised by the gradual degeneration of nerve cells in a significant portion of the brain, which leads to difficulties in both movement and coordination. Tremors in the hands are one of the first indicators of Parkinson's disease.
- Huntington's Disease: The neurological condition known as Huntington's disease is a genetic condition that affects the brain. Signs and symptoms such as dementia (a chronic mental illness) and trouble maintaining control of one's physical motions (chorea).
- Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological condition that may be brought on by seizures, head traumas, or strokes; however, the likelihood of any of these events occurring is not yet known.
- Dementia: Dementia is defined as a decline in cognitive performance that occurs as a direct or indirect effect of the loss or dysfunction of nerve cells in the brain. Abuse of alcohol (consumption of alcohol in an unhealthy manner or in a quantity that is not within the recommended range) and strokes are two potential causes of this disorder, along with conditions such as degeneration of the brain's nerves.
- Alzheimer's Disease: The causes of Alzheimer's disease are not well understood, but it has been noticed that the nerves in some regions of the brain gradually deteriorate, which leads to increasing dementia. The most prevalent kind of dementia is Alzheimer's disease.
- Brain Abscess: Abscess of the brain is caused by a bacterial infection, which results in the creation of a pocket in the area of the brain affected by the abscess. In order to cure it Antibiotic treatment and surgical drainage of the affected region are essential for treating the infection.
Brain Tests
- CT Scan: In a computed tomography scan, also known as a CT scan, many X-rays are collected of the patient, and with the assistance of a computer, these X-rays are then translated into detailed pictures of the patient's brain and skull.
- MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging, often known as an MRI scan, is an imaging technique that creates very detailed pictures of the brain and other areas of the skull so that a thorough diagnosis may be made. An MRI scanner works by placing radio waves inside a magnetic field.
- Angiography: Also known as a brain angiography, is performed by injecting 'a contrast agent' into the veins of a patient who is suspected of having a medical condition. This agent then makes its way into the brain via the circulation. An X-ray of the patient's brain is obtained in order to check for the presence of any form of abnormalities in the arteries of the brain.
- Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA): MRA stands for magnetic resonance angiography and refers to a specialised kind of MRI scan that is performed on the brain's arteries. A blood clot or another potential cause of stroke may be uncovered by an MRA scan.
- Lumbar Puncture: Lumbar puncture, sometimes known as a 'spinal tap,' is a procedure in which a needle is placed into the area surrounding the spinal nerves, and then fluid is taken from the region for examination. When meningitis is suspected, a lumbar puncture is often performed.
- Electroencephalogram Eeg: The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a method for monitoring brain activity that involves placing electrodes on the scalp in order to measure electrical signals. An EEG may assist in the diagnosis of seizures as well as other brain conditions.
- Neurocognitive Testing: It is a word that refers to examinations of a person's capacity to solve problems, their short-term memory, and several other sophisticated brain operations. Questionnaires are often used as the assessment method for neurocognitive abilities.
- Brain Biopsy: A biopsy of the brain is sometimes necessary in order to diagnose a brain problem. This procedure only requires a very little portion of the patient's brain. In most cases, brain biopsies are only performed when further information is required in order to give appropriate therapy.
Brain Treatments
- Surgery: Surgical removal of a brain tumour is sometimes possible via a procedure called 'brain surgery.' If there is ever a moment when there is increasing pressure in the brain that threatens the brain tissue, brain surgery may be done to relieve the pressure.
- Ventriculostomy: During a ventriculostomy, a drain is surgically implanted into one of the naturally occurring cavities inside the brain (ventricles). The ventriculostomy procedure is often carried out in order to lower excessive pressures inside the brain.
- Craniotomy: This is a procedure in which a hole is drilled into the side of the skull by a surgeon in order to release pressure within the skull.
- Lumbar Drain: Drainage of the lumbar region occurs when a drain is inserted into the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. This may reduce the amount of pressure that is being applied to the brain and spinal cord.
- Radiation Therapy: If the cancer has spread to the brain, radiation treatment may alleviate symptoms and impede the progression of the disease.
Brain Medicines
- Thrombolytics: Clot-busting medications are injected directly into the patient's veins during this procedure. These therapies have the ability to alleviate, and in some cases even cure, some types of strokes if they are provided during the first few hours following the beginning of symptoms. Administered in cases of obvious ischemia with observable impairments
- Antiplatelet agents: Antiplatelet medications are a type of treatment that can reduce the risk of developing blood clots. Aspirin and clopidogrel are two drugs that are considered to be antiplatelet agents (Plavix). As a result of this, there is a potential reduction in the chance of having a stroke.
- Cholinesterase inhibitors: These are several drugs that have demonstrated some potential for improving patients' cognitive abilities, ranging from moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. They do not have any impact in preventing Alzheimer's disease or delaying the illness's course in any way.
- Levodopa: Because of its capacity to increase dopamine levels in the brain, this medicine is used to treat Parkinson's disease. Because of this, it is a helpful tool for the treatment of symptoms associated with the condition.
- Analgesics: Analgesics are drugs that are taken to alleviate pain and lower the number of prostaglandins that are produced by the body. The medications should be administered no later than 48 hours after any cardiovascular event that causes pain that is relevant at that time.
- Lipid-Lowering Agents: People who have a high likelihood of developing atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis might benefit from using statin medications to lower their cholesterol levels. Some examples of these medications are atorvastatin and rosuvastatin.
- Diuretics: This category of medications lessens the amount of fluid that is carried through the bloodstream by increasing the amount of water that is expelled by urine and other means, which in turn lessens the risk of any other cardiovascular event. Diuretics, Furosemide, Torsemide, Bumetanide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Metolazone, and other similar medications are examples of diuretics that are often used.
- Beta-Blockers: They also minimise the strain that is placed on the heart, which in turn lowers the heart rate and helps avoid a variety of heart-related conditions, such as heart failure and arrhythmias. Carvedilol, Bisoprolol, and Metoprolol succinate are a few examples of the popular salts that cardiologists employ in their practices.
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACE Inhibitors): They lower the fluid burden, which makes it easier for the heart to keep its stroke volume constant, and they do this by causing the relaxation of bigger and smaller blood arteries. Captopril, Enalapril, Lisinopril, Ramipril, and Trandolapril are examples of ACE inhibitors that are often prescribed to patients.
- Angiotensin Receptor Blockers: They create a disturbance in the metabolism of the angel tendon, which is responsible for regulating blood pressure and also sustaining cardiac output. There are some pharmaceutical salts that are only utilised by highly trained medical professionals. Valsartan Candesartan Losartan.
- Aspirin: It is the first medicine that doctors turn to in order to stop the production of blood clots, which in turn lowers the chance of having a heart attack.
- Clopidogrel (Plavix): Clopidogrel, when taken in a loading dosage, can help prevent the development of blood clots. Platelets are prevented from clumping together and coagulating thanks to this medication. During the course of any cardiovascular event, it is taken into consideration to be a crucial medication.
- Warfarin: This category of medication suppresses the y-carboxylation of coagulation factors that are vitamin K dependent. When treating atrial fibrillation and patients who have just had arterial stenting, they are administered as an anticoagulant (also for deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism).
- Heparin: Thrombin and platelet factor 10 both have their levels of activity lowered as a result. Both pulmonary embolisms and deep vein thrombosis can be remedied with its application. During periods of active bleeding, its use is strictly prohibited.
- Edaravone: The process of neurodegeneration is slowed down as a result.
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