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Table of Contents
The brain is the most complex organ in the vertebrate’s body and is the center of the nervous system. It is located in the head, close to the sensory organs for senses such as vision.
See the fact file below for more information on the brain or alternatively, you can download our 21-page Brain worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
FUNCTION AND DEVELOPMENT
- The brain is part of the body’s central nervous system. It’s the most complicated part of the body. It has the ability to send and receive an enormous amount of information.
- Because it is so complex, there are some things doctors and scientists don’t completely understand about it. This also means that there are some amazing things that people may not know about the brain.
- The brain develops in an intricately orchestrated sequence of stages. It changes in shape from a simple swelling at the front of the nerve cord in the earliest embryonic stages, to a complex array of areas and connections.
ANATOMY
- The largest part of the human brain is the cerebrum, which is divided into two hemispheres.
- Underneath lies the brainstem, and behind that sits the cerebellum. The outermost layer of the cerebrum is the cerebral cortex, which consists of four lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital.
- Like all vertebrate brains, the human brain develops from three sections known as the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain. Each of these contains fluid-filled cavities called ventricles.
- The forebrain develops into the cerebrum and underlying structures, the midbrain becomes part of the brainstem, and the hindbrain gives rise to regions of the brainstem and the cerebellum.
- The brains of all species are composed primarily of two broad classes of cell: neurons and glial cells. Glial cells come in several types, and perform a number of critical functions, including structural support, metabolic support, insulation, and guidance of development. Neurons, however, are usually considered the most important cells in the brain.
- The brainstem connects to the spinal cord and consists of the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain. The primary functions of the brainstem include relaying information between the brain and the body, supplying some of the cranial nerves to the face and head, and performing critical functions in controlling the heart, breathing, and consciousness.
LEFT BRAIN AND RIGHT BRAIN
- The human brain is divided into two hemispheres, the left and right, connected by a bundle of nerve fibers called the corpus callosum.
- The hemispheres are strongly, though not entirely, symmetrical. The left brain controls all the muscles on the right-hand side of the body and the right brain controls the left side.
- One hemisphere may be slightly dominant, as with left- or right-handedness. There are some important differences between these areas.
- The left brain contains regions involved in speech and language and is also associated with mathematical calculation and fact retrieval. The right brain plays a role in visual and auditory processing, spatial skills and artistic ability — more instinctive or creative things.
HUMAN AND ANIMAL BRAIN
- Humans have a very high brain-weight-to-body-weight ratio, but so do other animals. The reason for humans’ intelligence, in part, is neurons and folds.
- Humans have more neurons per unit volume than other animals, and the only way to achieve this with the brain’s layered structure is to make folds in the outer layer, or cortex, says Eric Holland, a neurosurgeon and cancer biologist.
DISEASES
- Brain diseases come in different forms. Infections, trauma, stroke, seizures, and tumors are some of the major categories of brain disease. Below is an overview of various brain diseases.
- Meningitis: An inflammation of the lining around the brain or spinal cord, usually due to infection. Neck stiffness, headache, fever, and confusion are common symptoms.
- Encephalitis: An inflammation of the brain tissue, usually due to a viral infection; meningitis and encephalitis often occur together, which is called meningoencephalitis.
- Brain abscess: A pocket of infection in the brain, usually caused by bacteria; antibiotics and surgical drainage of the area are often necessary.
- Concussion: A brain injury that causes a temporary disturbance in brain function, sometimes with unconsciousness and confusion; traumatic head injuries cause concussion and may result in headache, along with concentration and memory problems.
- Traumatic brain injury: Acquired, often permanent brain damage from a traumatic head injury; obvious mental impairment or more subtle personality and mood changes can occur.
- Intracerebral hemorrhage: Any bleeding inside the brain which may occur after a traumatic injury or stroke as a result of high blood pressure.
Brain Worksheets
This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about the brain across 21 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Brain worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the brain which is the most complex organ in the vertebrate’s body and is the center of the nervous system. It is located in the head, close to the sensory organs for senses such as vision.
Complete List Of Included Worksheets
- Brain Facts
- Brain Anatomy
- High Five
- Answer Me
- Human Vs Animal
- Brain Jumble
- To the Left, To the Right
- Matchy Brain
- Brainy Cards
- Brain Diseases
- What’s News?
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Link will appear as Brain Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, October 8, 2019
Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.