The Brain

Your brain is your most powerful organ, and has three main parts:

  • Cerebrum: takes up the most space and is involved in remembering, problem solving, thinking, feeling, and controlling movement.
  • Cerebellum: near the back of the head and is responsible for coordination and balance.
  • Brain stem: connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls functions such as breathing, digestion, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Memory Areas of Brain

  • Cerebral Cortex: Previously formed memories are thought to be stored in the cerebral cortex.
  • Thalamus: Areas of the thalamus are considered to have a role in the formation of new memories partly through their connections with the hippocampus, and partly because the thalamus is considered to be important for mental alertness.
  • Hippocampus: Believed to have a critical role in the formation of new memories.

How the Brain Works

  • With each heartbeat, blood is carried to the brain for use by the brain cells.
  • An adult brain contains about 100 billion nerve cells, with branches that connect at more than 100 trillion points.
  • Signals traveling through the network form the basis of memories, thoughts, and feelings.
    • Memories and thoughts move through an individual nerve cell as a tiny electrical charge.
  • Nerve cells connect to one another at synapses.
  • When a charge reaches a synapse, it may trigger the release of tiny bursts of chemicals called neurotransmitters.
  • The neurotransmitters travel across the synapse, carrying signals to other cells.