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Brain

The brain is the body's command center. It controls thoughts, emotions, movements, bodily functions and memory, and processes all information from our senses.

Contents

Quick version

What is the brain?

The brain is part of the central nervous system and is protected by the skull. It consists of several different parts that together handle everything from breathing and heartbeat to learning and consciousness. The brain is constantly working, even when we sleep, and is dependent on oxygen and nutrients from the blood to function.

What is the cerebrum?

The largest part of the brain (cerebrum), divided into right and left hemispheres. Conscious thinking, language, problem solving, memory and voluntary movements take place here. The surface, the cerebral cortex, consists of folds and grooves to maximize the surface area.

What is the cerebellum?

The cerebellum is responsible for coordination, balance and fine-tuning of movements. It receives signals from the body's muscles and senses and helps make movements smooth and precise.

Brain stem

Connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls vital functions such as breathing, blood pressure, pulse and level of consciousness. It also contains nerves that control facial and eye movements.

Signal substances and nerve cells

The brain consists of approximately 86 billion nerve cells (neurons) that communicate via electrical signals and chemical substances such as dopamine, serotonin and glutamate. These affect everything from mood to concentration.

Protection and blood supply

The brain is protected by the skull, meninges and cerebrospinal fluid. The blood-brain barrier filters substances from the blood to protect the brain tissue. A constant blood flow is crucial for brain function.

Common Diseases and Conditions

The brain can be affected by many different diseases and conditions, both acute and chronic. Stroke is a common and acute disruption of blood flow to the brain that can lead to paralysis or speech problems. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's gradually affect brain function. Epilepsy causes recurrent seizures due to electrical disturbances. Brain tumors can be benign or malignant and affect surrounding tissue. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that attacks the protective coverings of the nervous system. These conditions require different types of investigation, treatment and follow-up.

Examination and diagnosis

In cases of suspected brain diseases, various examinations are used to evaluate the structure and function of the brain. The most common methods are imaging diagnostics such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI brain) and computed tomography (CT), which show tumors, hemorrhages or changes in brain tissue. Electroencephalography (EEG) measures the brain's electrical activity and is used in the investigation of epilepsy. Neuropsychological tests are used to assess memory, language, attention and problem solving. Blood tests, spinal fluid tests (lumbar puncture) and neurological status examinations can also provide important clues about the condition of the brain.

Relevant symptoms

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Memory problems
  • Numbness or paralysis
  • Speech difficulties
  • Confusion

Related conditions and diagnoses

  • Stroke
  • Dementia (e.g. Alzheimer's disease)
  • Epilepsy
  • Brain tumor
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Questions and answers

The brain controls several of the body's functions, everything from breathing, heart rate, movements, thoughts, memory and emotions through a complex network of nerve cells and neurotransmitters.

The brain is divided into the cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem, each with different functions for controlling the body and consciousness.

The cerebral cortex is the outermost layer of the cerebrum. It is responsible for conscious functions such as language, planning, problem solving, and movement.

Yes, the brain has some ability to recover through neuroplasticity, which means that other parts can take over certain functions. But it depends on the extent and type of damage.

Dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, breaks down brain cells, leading to memory loss, altered behavior, and impaired ability to think and communicate.

Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that carry information between nerve cells. They affect, for example, mood, alertness, concentration and movement.

This is because the brain uses a lot of energy and therefore needs a constant supply of oxygen via the blood. Just a few minutes of oxygen deprivation can cause serious damage.

Neuroplasticity is the brain's own ability to adapt and create new connections, this is something that is the basis for learning, memory and some recovery after injury.

Through exercise, good sleep, social interaction, mental stimulation, a balanced diet, and avoiding stress and tobacco, you can promote brain health.

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