Brains

Parietal Lobe

The parietal lobe deals mainly with functions connected with movement, orientation, calculation and certain types of recognition

Frontal Lobe

The frontal lobes deal with the most integrated brain functions i.e., thinking, conceptualising and planning. They also play a major part in the conscious appreciation of emotion.

Occipital Lobe

The occipital lobe is mainly made up of visual processing areas.

Temporal Lobe

The temporal lobes deal with sound, speech comprehension, usually the left temporal lobe, and some aspects of memory

Cerebellum

The cerebellum is also known as the little brain or hind brain and is attached to the back of your brain stem. It\'s main function is to control your body position, poise and balance. It also stores memories for basic learned responses. It sends vital information to the brain via the brain stem.

Brain Stem

The brain stem is also known as the reptilian brain. It is located deep down in the brain and extends up from your spinal cord. It is primarily responsible for basic life support and controls your breathing and heart rate, your temperature and your digestion process. It is also responsible for keeping you alert of important information from your senses.

Neurons

A neuron also known as a neurone or nerve cell is an excitable cell in the nervous system that processes and transmits information by electrochemical signaling. Neurons are the core components of the brain, the vertebrate spinal cord, the invertebrate ventral nerve cord, and the peripheral nerves. A number of specialized types of neurons exist: sensory neurons respond to touch, sound, light and numerous other stimuli affecting cells of the sensory organs that then send signals to the spinal cord and brain. Motor neurons receive signals from the brain and spinal cord and cause muscle contractions and affect glands. Interneurons connect neurons to other neurons within the same region of the brain or spinal cord. Neurons respond to stimuli, and communicate the presence of stimuli to the central nervous system, which processes that information and sends responses to other parts of the body for action. Neurons do not go through mitosis, and usually cannot be replaced after being destroyed, although astrocytes have been observed to turn into neurons as they are sometimes pluripotent (is the ability of the human embryonic stem cell to differentiate or become almost any cell in the body).

Brain Food

Protein :
Protein is found in meat, fish, milk and cheese. Protein provides the building blocks for most of the body's tissues, nerves, internal organs (including brain and heart). Proteins are used to make neurotransmitters and are essential to improve mental performance.

Carbohydrate :
Carbohydrates enhance the absorption of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin in the brain. Within about thirty minutes of eating a carbohydrate meal,, you will feel more calm and relaxed. The effects will last several hours.

Grains, fruits and vegetables are key sources of carbohydrates.

Digestion causes the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose (sugar) which is the brains primary source of energy. If your glucose levels fluctuate too much, you may experience mental confusion, dizziness and if severe, convulsions and loss of consciousness.

Fats :
The brain is more than 60% fat. This is because the brain cells are covered by the myelin sheath which is composed of approximately 75% fat. Fats also play a crucial role as messengers. They regulate key aspects of the immune system, blood circulation, inflammation, memory and mood.

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential to the optimum performance of your brain. Lack of omega-3 fats in your diet can lead to depression, poor memory, low IQ, learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADD and many more mental disorders.

To ensure that your diet is rich in omega-3 fats, ensure that you eat plenty of oily fish like salmon, sardines, trout, tuna, herring, mackerel and anchovies.

Vitamins & Minerals :
Vitamins and minerals are essential for the growth and functioning of the brain.

The 'B' complex vitamins are particularly important for the brain and play a vital role in producing energy. Vitamins A, C and E are powerful antioxidants and promote and preserve memory in the elderly.

Minerals are also critical to mental functioning and performance. Magnesium and manganese are needed for brain energy. Sodium, potassium and calcium are important in the thinking process and they facilitate the transmission of messages.

An Intelligent Diet To Boost Brain Power

1. Balance your glucose - it provides fuel for your brain. Try to eat carbohydrate foods in the evening as it promotes relaxation and sleep.
2. Eat essential fats - ensure your diet is rich in omega-3 fats found in oily fish.
3. Include plenty of protein rich foods in your diet. Proteins are essential to make neurotransmitters which are vital for the thinking process. Try to eat a protein based lunch to optimise your mental performance and alertness throughout the day.
4. Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals to 'fine tune' your mind.
5. Drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day to keep your brain well hydrated.
6. Oxygenate your brain by exercising and eating little and often. Eat your main meal before 7pm.

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Glial Cells

Neuroglia of the brain shown by Golgi's method

Astrocytes can be visualized in culture because, unlike other mature glia, they express glial fibrillary acidic protein.

Glial cells, commonly called neuroglia or simply glia (Greek for "glue"), are non-neuronal cells that provide support and nutrition, maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and participate in signal transmission in the nervous system. In the human brain, there is roughly one glia for every neuron with a ratio of about two neurons for every three glia in the cerebral gray matter.

The four main functions of glial cells are :

1. To surround neurons and hold them in place
2. To supply nutrients and oxygen to neurons
3. To insulate one neuron from another
4. To destroy pathogens and remove dead neurons

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