What is the Brain?
The brain communicates and receives signals from the rest of the body via the spinal cord, located at the base of the brain. Combined, the brain and the spinal cord make up the central nervous system, also known as the CNS.
Organization of the Brain
The brain is organized into three large structures: the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is responsible for coordinating movement, as well as thinking, reasoning, problem-solving, and learning. The cerebellum, sometimes called the “little brain,” controls your balance and coordination. Lastly, the brainstem regulates vital life functions, including breathing, heart rate and sleep.
Brain Hemorrhage
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Brain hemorrhages are defined by bleeding in the brain, often caused by a ruptured artery or vein. The blood that flows into the brain causes swelling (edema). This swelling can prohibit blood from reaching parts of the brain, causing those areas to die. There are several different types of brain hemorrhages:
Epidural Hemorrhage: occurs when blood collects between the skull and the dura (protective layer of the brain).
Subdural Hemorrhage: occurs when there is bleeding in the subdural space, which is beneath the dura but outside the brain tissue.
Intracerebral Hemorrhage: bleeding occurs in the brain tissue, including the cerebrum, brainstem and/or cerebellum.
Cerebrospinal fluid (also know as CSF) is a clear liquid that flows around the brain and the spinal cord. CSF protects the brain and spinal cord, as well as provides nutrients and removes any waste.
CSF is produced in the ventricles, which are fluid-filled spaces in the middle of the brain. Once it leaves the ventricles, CSF flows around the head between the surface of the brain and tissues called the meninges. The meninges keep the CSF contained, support the central nervous system, and protect it from injury.
The brain is the command center for entire your body, controlling things like movement, emotions, thought, memory, touch and every other process in the body. The brain is located within and protected by the skull, which is the bony structure in the head.
