The Intricate Functions of the Human Brain

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The Intricate Functions    

Running head: THE INTRICATE FUNCTIONS OF THE HUMAN BRAIN

The Intricate Functions of the Human brain

Heather McGarr

Colorado Technical University Online

Psychology

PSY105-0901A-16 Phase 1 Individual Project

Instructor Parthenia Izzard

January 10, 2009


Abstract

The human brain is home to all thoughts, emotions, functions, behaviors and the knowledge that comprises all our understanding. It is the control station for our body analyzing and processing all that we do. This paper will elaborate on the functions of the right and left cerebral hemispheres; as well as depth and 3 dimensional perceptions.


The Intricate Functions of the Human brain

Noted scientist and biochemist Doctor Isaac Asimov said that “as far as we know the human brain is the most complex and orderly arrangement of matter in the universe.” Weighing a mere 3 pounds (Looy, 1990), the adult brain is made up of approximately 100 billion neurons, or brain cells (Elert, n.d.), each of which is connected to perhaps 10 thousand other neurons via nerve fibers called dendrites and axons (Looy, 1990).

The brain is the most remarkable and intricate organ of the human body. It is able to process one million bits of information per second (Campbell, 2002-2009); and its speed, storage capacity and multitasking capabilities surpass the ability of any super computer. This amazing instrument controls and regulates every system and function of the human body (Looy, 1990).

The human brain is divided into two separate regions; these are called the left and right cerebral hemispheres. Within these hemispheres the totality of human thought processing and storage occurs. Though these cerebral globes work and operate in tandem, each side also has certain elected functions and set ways of processing information (Riedl, 2002).

In order for the process of complex information and for the coordination of movement to take place both sides of the brain must be able to work and communicate together. This is made possible through the corpus callosum. It is the primary connective passageway of the brain and is located in its very center. It encompasses over two hundred million nerve strands that connect the left and right hemisphere (NODCC, 2006).

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The left hemisphere controls the right side of the body and manages linguistic awareness. It enables the capabilities of speech, reading, planning, organizing, writing, spelling, communication, memory, and verbal intelligence, as well as logical and coherent thinking. It also controls certain expansions of information processing such as diagnostic reasoning, typing capability, grammar skills, logic ability and math acuity. This side of the brain is cognitive in nature and focuses on the detail oriented parts of reality (Bancroft, 1998-2007).

The right hemisphere facilitates the functions of the left side of the body and regulates the unconscious perception. It allows for the ...

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