Chapter 26, Problem F26.1A

Summary Introduction

To Identify:

The different parts of the brain in the figure.

Introduction:

The human brain is the anterior-most part of the central neural system, which is embedded in the cranial cavity of the skull.

Explanation of Solution

Pictorial Representation: Figure 1 represents the parts of the brain.

  

Figure 1: Parts of the brain

The different parts of the brain are as follows:

1. Cerebrum: The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, which consists of the right and left hemispheres. It controls higher brain functions.
2. Thalamus: It is a small structure that is found above the brain between the cerebral cortex and midbrain.
3. Hypothalamus: It is found at the base of the brain whose primary function is to connect the nervous system to the endocrine system.
4. Diencephalon: It is a division of forebrain and is found between telencephalon and midbrain.
5. Pons: It is the part of the brainstem which controls breathing, communication, and sensations.
6. Medulla oblongata: The simple medulla is a long stem-like structure that is responsible for involuntary functions.
7. Spinal cord: It is a long tube-like structure that connects the brain to nerves. It consists of grey and white matter like the brain.
8. Gyri/convolutions: These are the folds or bumps in the brain. It is the ridge of the cerebral cortex.
9. Sulci: These are grooves that separate the brain and increase the surface area of the brain.
10. Corpus callosum: It is also known as "callosal commissure," which is a thick band that separates the cerebral lobes into the right and left hemispheres.
11. Midbrain: It is composed of tectum and tegmentum. It is an essential area for the control of combined eye and head movements. 
12. Cerebellum: It stands for "little brain," which is located at the base of the brain.

Conclusion

Hence, Brain is the largest and complex organ that consists of many specialized areas that work together to perform different functions in the human body.