Blogger: Derek Lee| Editor: Monica(Yumeng) Shen
“The human brain now holds the key to our future. “
David Suzuki
The brain is one of the most important organs in our bodies. The brain is what allows us to make decisions, think about ideas, and store precious memories. Thought of as the world’s most “original computer”, we as humans and our brains have evolved over a long period of time to allow us to function the way we do today.
The brain can be broken down into three main units – the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brainstem.
Cerebrum
- Pronunciation: SAYR-eh-BEH-lum
- Known as the largest part of the brain, the cerebrum controls body movement and learning functions.
- Anyone who wants to do physical activity like playing football or being a ballet dancer needs the cerebrum to function.
- The cerebrum also helps us solve problems, analyze situations, and make important decisions.
- The right half of the cerebrum helps with more artistic, abstract activities while the left half helps us with analytical and logical problem-solving.
Cerebellum
- Pronunciation: SAYR-eh-BEH-lum
- The cerebellum helps us retain balance.
- This small but important part of the brain helps us stay coordinated and move the way we want to.
Brainstem
- Lastly, the brainstem maintains internal functions such as breathing, heart rate, and homeostasis.
- It also connects the brain to the spinal cord. These subunits make up about a three-pound weight brain!
Rather than taking our brains and their functions for granted, this information can now help us think more closely about how the brain’s subunits work together while we go about our daily lives.