Brain Power

                                                           Brain Power

    The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. As part of our nervoussystem, it coordinates all of the body's functions. An adult brain weighs about 1.4 kilograms. 

    It is divided into four main areas: the cerebrum, the cerebellum, the brain stem, and the diencephalon. The largest section is the cerebrum, which makes up over three quarters ofthe brain's volume. Made up of neurons and nerve fibers, it receives information fromneurons all over the brain and body and controls higher functions such as learning,reasoning, and speech, plus senses like sight and hearing. 

    Under the cerebrum is the second largest part of the brain, the cerebellum, which is alsomade of nerve cells and nerve fibers. These fibers carry signals to other parts of the brainand spinal cord. The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating muscle movements,particularly those that control the body's balance. 

    The third area, the brain stem, lies in front of the cerebellum, and connects the brain to the spinal cord. It is made up of three parts. These help the brain process sensory informationsuch as taste, control the body's movement, auditory, and visual processing, and createmotor and sensory pathways between the brain and the spinal cord. Then, together, thesethree parts of the brain stem control functions like cardiac activity, respiration, digestion,and sleep. 

    The fourth area, the diencephalon, makes up the core of the brain. and the hypothalamus (下丘脑) and pituitary gland (垂体), which help process sensory information and produce and regulate thebrain's chemicals. These chemicals help to control our weight and behaviors like eating anddrinking. Together, the brain's four main parts make sure our body functions correctly. 

    Through exercise and a balanced diet, we, in turn, can help keep our brain healthy so that itcontinues to keep our body working well for many years to come.

Vocabulary

cerebrum n.大脑

cerebellum n.小脑

brain stem n.脑干

diencephalon n.间脑

fiber n.纤维

spinal cord n.脊髓

cardiac adj.心脏的