Written by Kaitlyn Wang
Have you ever paused to ponder the wonder that lives within your very skull? Your brain -
the central organ of the nervous system - serves as the command center for the human body. However, even after years of dedicated study, there are still countless secrets waiting to be discovered.
What is neuroscience?
Neuroscience, as a field of study, specifically focuses on the structure, function, and development of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and the intricate networks of neurons throughout the body. This is different from other scientific disciplines such as psychology, which focuses on the mind and behavior, and psychiatry, which is associated with diagnosing and treating individuals with different mental as well as behavioral disorders. However, it's important to note that while neuroscience has differences from psychology and psychiatry, it is a multidisciplinary branch of science meaning that it integrates other scientific disciplines such as biology and chemistry.
Parts of the brain
There are several key parts of the brain that play an important role in various cognitive and physiological functions.
Cerebrum
The Cerebrum is the largest part of the brain. It is involved in the cognitive functions and controls various motor, sensory, and emotional processes of the brain.
Cerebellum
Located below the cerebrum, the cerebellum is known for controlling balance and posture, along with controlling coordination of voluntary movements such as playing the guitar.
Brainstem
Located near the bottom of the brain, the brainstem is responsible for many basic functions such as breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, and sleeping.
Other important parts of the brain include the amygdala, the pituitary gland, the thalamus, the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and more.
Central Nervous System vs. Peripheral Nervous System
The Nervous System is split up into two main components: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
Central Nervous System
The CNS consists of the brain and the spinal cord. In the CNS, there are two main types of tissues that are important to understand: gray matter and white matter. The gray matter’s purpose is to collect signals and bring them to the cell body, while the white matter deals with the transmission of information between different regions and components of the CNS.
Peripheral Nervous System
The PNS lies outside the brain and spinal cord. It consists of various nerves that branch out and extend throughout an individual’s body. There are two main components to the PNS: the Somatic Nervous System (SNS) which controls the voluntary movements and sensory information, and the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) which controls involuntary movements and processes such as blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, breathing, and more.
Looking ahead: why neuroscience is so important for the future
Through different brain imaging techniques as well as studying brain activity, we can uncover the deeper functions of the brain, and how they can be impacted by factors such as genetics and the environment. As research develops, neuroscience will become integral to developing innovative ways to treat people with conditions such as ADHD, autism, down syndrome, and more. With this information, neuroscience has the potential to completely transform the world.
Works Cited
“Cerebrum: What It Is, Function & Anatomy.” Cleveland Clinic, 21 May 2022,
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23083-cerebrum. Accessed 13 July 2023.
Mackenzie, Ruairi J. “Gray Matter vs White Matter.” Technology Networks, 20 August 2019,
https://www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/articles/gray-matter-vs-white-matter-322973. Accessed 13 July 2023.
“Organization of the Nervous System.” SEER Training,
https://training.seer.cancer.gov/anatomy/nervous/organization/. Accessed 13 July 2023.
Pickens, Jeffrey. “Mapping the Brain: The Future of Neuroscience.” Psychology Today, 23 August 2022,
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