The brain can be thought of as a muscle that needs exercise to stay healthy. By understanding how your brain works, you will have a better understanding of how to exercise your brain. A healthy brain can help prevent or slow down the development of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer dementia, strokes, migraine headaches, and concentration problems. Let’s dive in and learn more about brain anatomy.
Gross and Microscopic Anatomy
Your brain is part of the central nervous system that also includes your spinal cord. It consists of 3 parts – the cerebrum, the brainstem, and the cerebellum. Each part has different functions but also works together to help you move, see, speak, breathe, and think.
Three layers called meninges cover your brain and spinal cord. The meninges from innermost to outermost consist of the pia, arachnoid, and dura mater. Blood vessels are intertwined and travel through the pia and arachnoid mater. When these blood vessels rupture and bleed, they can cause subarachnoid hemorrhages and hematomas. If your meninges become infected or inflamed you can develop meningitis.
Your brain is bathed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that is continuously produced and absorbed throughout the day at a rate of about 450 ml/day. Cerebrospinal fluid acts like a cushion to protect your brain and spinal cord. CSF also eliminates waste and delivers nutrients to your brain. Too much CSF (or “water in the brain”) can cause a neurological condition called hydrocephalus. A spinal tap (aka lumbar puncture) can remove the extra CSF in the right situation.
Microscopically, your brain is composed of millions of neurons (nerve cells) and supporting cells. Your neurons communicate with each other via appendages called axons and dendrites. The axons are covered in myelin that acts as insulation to speed up nerve conduction. Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease that results from damage to your myelin sheath.
4 Brain Lobes of the Cerebrum
The cerebrum is divided into a right and left hemisphere. Each hemisphere consists of 4 lobes that carry out different functions.
- Frontal lobe – personality, emotion, behavior, judgment, body movement, speaking (Broca’s area)
- Parietal lobe – sensation, visuospatial perception
- Temporal lobe – hearing, memory, understanding language (Wernicke’s area)
- Occipital lobe – vision
Speech and language is dependent on your dominant hemisphere. The left hemisphere is dominant in all right-handed people. However, the left hemisphere is about 70% dominant in left-handed people.
Deep in your cerebrum are also collections of neurons (i.e. nuclei) that act as switchboards to regulate the neuronal signals that travel up and down between your central and peripheral nervous system. These nuclei include the basal ganglia, thalamus, subthalamus, and hypothalamus. These nuclei allow you to coordinate movement, perform fine motor tasks, react to external stimuli, and balance. Parkinson disease is a neurological movement disorder that results from degeneration of basal ganglia.
3 Divisions of the Brainstem
The brainstem sits below the cerebrum and extends to the cervical spinal cord. It is divided into the midbrain, pons and medulla oblongata. The brainstem controls very important functions that keep you alive such as breathing, heart beat, and arousal. Although there are 12 cranial nerves, only 11 cranial nerves originate in the brainstem. The olfactory nerve (cranial nerve 1) connects directly with the cerebrum.
Function of the Cerebellum
The cerebellum is located in the posterior fossa, an area in the back of your head. It consists of 2 hemispheres connected by the vermis. The main function of the cerebellum is to coordinate movements and maintain balance. Alcohol affects your cerebellum causing incoordination and unsteadiness.
How to Keep Your Brain Healthy
- Exercise – Physical exercise a few times a week for 30-60 minutes helps improve your cerebrovascular health. You can run, walk, row, swim, or play tennis to increase your heart rate.
- Good sleep – Plenty of good sleep helps to restore your brain and improves memory and concentration. Aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
- Mediterranean diet – Maintaining a healthy diet reduces your risk for brain and heart diseases. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce the likelihood of Alzheimer’s disease. It consists of plant-based foods, whole grains, fish and healthy fats like olive oil. There is also less red meat and salt.
- Mental activities – Brain stimulation creates new connections between neurons and may even generate new neurons, developing neuroplasticity. It keeps your “gas tank” full so your brain can function longer. Try math problems, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, learn a new language or instrument, and reading.
- Remain socially active – Socializing has been shown to reduce risk of dementia and prevent depression and anxiety. It can help you sleep better and lower your blood pressure.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco smoke
Make an appointment with our expert neurologist to discuss your brain health today!