Learning and the Brain

Running Head : Learning and the Brain

Learning and the brain Name :Course :Tutor : Date

Part one : The brain

The brain is a very central organ in the nervous system . Its functions are wide and complex but can be summarized as sensing and responding to various stimuli received through the peripheral nervous system . Its physiology is one of great interest . The brain is protected by the skull outside . Under the skull is the meninges which protects the brain , the spinal chord and their blood vessels . It consists of three layers : the

dura matter , arachnoid matter and pia matter . The dura matter is the outermost while the pia is the innermost layer . This layer encloses the cerebrospinal fluid . This watery fluid is similar to blood plasma in its content . The main functions of this fluid are that it cushions and nourishes the brain . These three layers form the protective covering of the brain (Bancroft , n .d

The brain itself consists of different parts . Different people divide the brain into different parts and different number of locations cerebral hemispheres , diencephalon , brain stem and cerebellum . These parts all have their own unique functions that interplay to keep the body running properly . The cerebral hemispheres , separated by the longitudinal fissure are the largest part of the brain making up 83 of the brain mass . They are collectively referred to as the cerebrum . It is folded so that it can increase its surface area , causing it to have a mass of about 40 of the brain...