Caustic Regular Dr. Rob Tarzwell joins Joe, Toren, and Kevin in the premiere episode of our new series: “Caustic Anatomy Class”, this episode focusing on the master control of it all: the brain! We’ll talk about the history of brain knowledge, an introduction to the brain’s structure, brain-eating amoebas, the “creepy threesome”, several people walking and talking without a large part of their brain, brain tapeworms, and The Man With Two Brains and a skull-full of pop culture!
Music: “Scatter Brain” by Frankie Masters And His Orchestra
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHxyP-nUhUY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFY2PvkqB2M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zH6Cb8IYjOY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xK-ulxa0m4
collated by Caustic researcher Cory
The most common method used to divide the brain, is based on the three main regions that developed in the embryonic state:
The Forebrain (or prosencephalon)
the cerebrum (telencephalon)thalamushypothalamus and pineal gland among other features (diencephalon, or interbrain).The Midbrain (or mesencephalon)
located near the very center of the brain between the interbrain and the hindbrain, is composed of a portion of the brainstem.
The Hindbrain (or rhombencephalon)
Consists of the remaining brainstem (myelencephalon) as well as our cerebellum and pons (metencephalon).
Brain cells can be broken into two groups:
The tissue of the brain can be broken down into two major classes: gray matter and white matter.
Myelinated neurons transmit nerve signals much faster than unmyelinated axons do. You could imagine your brain’s gray matter as suburbs and businesses, and the white matter as the express highway, carrying information to be processed.
Parts of the Brain
Cerebrum
The cerebrum is the largest portion of the brain, and is responsible for most of the brain’s function. It is divided into four sections:
Cerebellum
This is commonly referred to as “the little brain,” and is considered to be older than the cerebrum on the evolutionary scale. The cerebellum controls essential body functions such as balance, posture and coordination.
Limbic System
The limbic system contains glands which help relay emotions. Many hormonal responses that the body generates are initiated in this area. The limbic system includes the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus and thalamus.
Brain Stem
All basic life functions originate in the brain stem, including heartbeat, blood pressure and breathing. The brain stem consists of midbrain, pons and medulla.
Medulla: The medulla or medulla oblongata maintains vital body functions such as the heart rate and breathing.
