Brain
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Control center of the nervous system
Brain cells work together like a busy city. Billions of neurons pass tiny electrical messages so we can see colors, hear music, and remember our way home. Even when we sleep, the brain quietly keeps the lungs breathing, the heart beating, and hormones balanced.
The cerebrum is the largest part and looks wrinkled to fit more thinking tissue into the skull. Its front areas help us plan and solve problems, its sides store sounds and language, and the back interprets the light signals sent by the eyes. The smaller cerebellum sits underneath and keeps balance steady so riding a bike or writing with a pencil feels smooth.
At the base lies the brainstem, which connects to the spinal cord. It controls automatic jobs like sneezing, swallowing, and adjusting heartbeat speed when we run or rest. All three sections share information constantly, so a sound, a thought, and a movement can happen in a blink.
communication happens where neurons meet at synapses. Chemical messengers hop the gap and tell the next cell to fire. With practice, these pathways grow stronger, a process called plasticity. That is why repeating spelling words or piano scales makes them easier over time.
The brain needs steady fuel. Blood vessels deliver oxygen and glucose every second, and clear fluid cushions the tissue from bumps. Sleep, colorful foods, exercise, and friendly conversations all feed the brain in different ways. Wearing helmets, washing hands, and caring for our feelings protect this gentle command center.
The cerebrum is the largest part and looks wrinkled to fit more thinking tissue into the skull. Its front areas help us plan and solve problems, its sides store sounds and language, and the back interprets the light signals sent by the eyes. The smaller cerebellum sits underneath and keeps balance steady so riding a bike or writing with a pencil feels smooth.
At the base lies the brainstem, which connects to the spinal cord. It controls automatic jobs like sneezing, swallowing, and adjusting heartbeat speed when we run or rest. All three sections share information constantly, so a sound, a thought, and a movement can happen in a blink.
communication happens where neurons meet at synapses. Chemical messengers hop the gap and tell the next cell to fire. With practice, these pathways grow stronger, a process called plasticity. That is why repeating spelling words or piano scales makes them easier over time.
The brain needs steady fuel. Blood vessels deliver oxygen and glucose every second, and clear fluid cushions the tissue from bumps. Sleep, colorful foods, exercise, and friendly conversations all feed the brain in different ways. Wearing helmets, washing hands, and caring for our feelings protect this gentle command center.
What We Can Learn
- The brain controls senses, movement, and automatic body jobs
- Different regions such as the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem share information
- Neurons communicate through synapses that grow stronger with practice
- Rest, nutrition, safety, and kindness keep the brain working well