When you see something interesting, and you turn back to look at it again, or you hear a sound and your instinct is to tilt your head slightly towards the sound so you can listen better, it’s not coincidental. A particular part of the brain includes the superior and inferior colliculi, which allow this to happen. Do you ever wonder what the function of superior and inferior colliculi are? The superior colliculus is the visual reflex center that allows eye movement, gaze shifts, and reactive reflexes like turning the head....

If the word “thalamus” sounds like Greek to you, you have hit the nail on the head! It is a Greek word that means “inner chamber.” The thalamus is an egg-shaped structure residing in the center of the brain, above the brainstem. We have two thalami, one on each side of the brain. People sometimes describe it as an information relay station, but what does the thalamus do? The thalamus resides between the midbrain and the cerebral cortex, with a multitude of nerve connections to both....

The hypothalamus is named according to its position below the thalamus. This organ is the body’s coordinative hub, impacting the autonomic nervous system and regulating hormones. The location of the hypothalamus is relevant to the complex way it operates in connection to its surrounding structures. The hypothalamus is situated beneath the thalamus and above the pituitary gland. It’s cone-shaped and approximately 0.4 to 0.5 inches in diameter. It’s the brain’s core, and this tiny epicenter plays a vital role....

The brain is a sophisticated organ that executes and regulates essential bodily processes. The vast network of nerves that carry signals to and from the brain helps the brain conduct its functions. These nerve impulses are conducted thanks to the membrane potential that has evolved across the nerve cell membrane. Hyperpolarization is a phenomenon that contributes to this neuronal communication. Hyperpolarization is when cell membrane potential gains a negative charge because of increased efflux of cations, an influx of anions, or inhibition of resting ion flux....

The Endocrine system controls a plethora of physiological aspects in humans and other higher organisms, including metabolism, reproduction, and reactions to stress. The various organs and glands within this system cooperate to ensure the effective functioning of the organism through various pathways. One such pathway is the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis. The Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis is a mechanism that prepares our bodies to take on a stressful situation. This system monitors various chemical levels inside our bodies and adjusts hormones accordingly while operating across multiple organs and glands....

The insula brain, or insular lobe/cortex, tends to be forgotten when looking at simple brain anatomy. The reason for this is perhaps it sits deeper into the cortex and cannot be seen from the outside. However, the insula brain has many vital functions and connections to other structures in the brain. The insula brain is located underneath the cerebral cortex. It is a part of the brain responsible for sensory processing and plays an important role in emotions and empathy....

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a mechanism in mammals, such as people, believed to enable learning and making long-term memories. LTP is a process where synapses strengthen through repetition. LTP occurs in various areas of the brain, but most research has focused on the glutamate synapse. “Use it or lose it” is a frequent warning regarding our memories and the way we learn. It brings up images of tiny brain cells lifting weights to stay in shape while others shrivel and die....

The brain’s surrounding membrane has three concentric layers called meninges. Meninges is derived from Ancient Greek, plural of meninx, meaning membrane. Three membranes surround the brain and spinal cord: the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. The membranes surrounding the brain are crucial for supporting the brain. The three cranial meninges, the dura, arachnoid, and pia mater, extend continuously in concentric layers. A medically critical space connects each layer....

The amygdala is a part of the brain that gets its strange-sounding name from the Greek word for almond –amygdale.The amygdala received its name because of its almond-like shape. It is actually a paired structure, with one located on each side of the brain. So, where exactly is this “brain-almond,” and what does it do? The amygdala resides in the medial temporal lobe, in front of the hippocampus, with one in each hemisphere....

Most people do not think much about what happens to sound after it reaches their ears. They assume that the ears are the organ responsible for hearing and that the person will hear perfectly as long as the ears are functioning. The truth is that although the ears receive sounds, the auditory information must be processed in order to make sense of it. This is the function of the auditory cortex....

The brain is one of the most powerful organs of the body. The brain mainly consists of fat, water, protein, carbohydrates, and salts- Simple, isn’t it? As simple as it seems, the brain consists of numerous complex structures- one being the cerebral cortex- each responsible for highly complex processes. What is the cerebral cortex, where is it situated, and what does it do? The cerebral cortex, or cerebral mantle, is the thin outermost layer of the cerebrum....

Over the last several years, much discussion and research have surfaced about the DMN brain and how it impacts the human mind. Many people call it the state of being on “auto-pilot.” You might be wondering what it all means, how it works, and if it makes any difference. In this article, we will lean into the depth of details on the Default Mode Network and its intriguing role in the brain....

Depolarization is one of the stages that take place in nerve conduction and action potential. Some ions play a significant role in nerve conduction. Due to differences in electrolyte content, the plasma membrane of our cells typically has a charge differential between the interior and exterior. These distinctions are known as polarization. Depolarization is an important medical concept that takes place in cells. Here is all you need to know about depolarization....