Brain Structure And Function
Mar 06, 2014 The Brain: Structure and Function In this video Paul Andersen explains the structures and functions of seventeen major parts of the brain. He begins with a quick discussion of brain evolution. Sep 24, 2015 - The human brain can be divided into three sections. In this lesson, we'll examine the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, as well as the major. Brain Structure & Function publishes research that provides insight into brain structure−function relationships. Studies published here integrate data spanning from molecular, cellular, developmental, and systems architecture to the neuroanatomy of behavior and cognitive functions.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Over the last several years, there’s been increasing evidence that the brain’s structure and function might differ between someone with ADHD and someone without the disorder. Understanding these differences can help lessen the stigma sometimes associated with ADHD.
ADHD is characterized by difficulties with paying attention and, in some cases, extreme hyperactivity. Someone with ADHD may experience either attention deficit or hyperactivity more. ADHD is usually diagnosed during childhood, but it can also be identified for the first time in adulthood. Other symptoms include:
- lack of focus
- fidgeting
- difficulty staying seated
- overactive personality
- forgetfulness
- talking out of turn
- behavioral problems
- impulsiveness
The precise cause of ADHD isn’t known. Genes are thought to play a large factor. There are other possible contributing factors, such as:
- nutrition, although it is still controversial whether or not there is an association between ADHD and sugar consumption, according to a study in the journal
Nutrition Research and Practice - brain injuries
- lead exposure
- cigarette and alcohol exposure during pregnancy
The brain is the most complex human organ. Therefore, it makes sense that understanding the connection between ADHD and both brain structure and function is also complex. Studies have researched whether there are structural differences between kids with ADHD and those without the disorder. Using MRIs, one study examined children with and without ADHD over a 10-year period. They found that brain size was different between the two groups. Children with ADHD had smaller brains by about
The study also found that certain areas of the brain were smaller in children with more severe ADHD symptoms. These areas, such as the frontal lobes, are involved in:
- impulse control
- inhibition
- motor activity
- concentration
Researchers also looked at the differences in white and grey matter in children with and without ADHD. White matter consists of axons, or nerve fibers. Grey matter is the outer layer of the brain. Researchers found that people with ADHD may have different neural pathways in areas of the brain involved in:
- impulsive behavior
- attention
- inhibition
- motor activity
These different pathways might partly explain why people with ADHD often have behavioral issues and learning difficulties.
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The Journal of Attention Disorders reports there may also be gender differences in ADHD. One study found that gender was reflected in the results of performance tests measuring inattention and impulsivity. The tests results showed that boys tend to experience more impulsivity than girls. There was no difference in inattention symptoms between boys and girls. On the flipside, girls with ADHD may experience more internal issues, such as anxiety and depression, especially as they get older. However, the difference between genders and ADHD still requires further research.
Treatment is necessary to improve quality of life in ADHD. For those under the age of 5, the
- decrease behavioral problems
- improve school grades
- help with social skills
- prevent failures in finishing tasks
For children over the age of 5, medications are generally considered the first line of ADHD treatment. Some lifestyle measures may help, too.
Medications
When it comes to effective ADHD management, prescription medications continue to be the first line of treatment for most kids. These come in the form of stimulants. While it might seem counterproductive to prescribe stimulating medication for someone who is already hyperactive, these drugs actually have the opposite effect in ADHD patients.
The problem with stimulants is that they can have side effects in some patients, such as:
- irritability
- fatigue
- insomnia
According to the McGovern Institute for Brain Research, about 60 percent of people respond favorably to the first stimulant they are prescribed. If you aren’t happy with a stimulant medication, a nonstimulant is another option for ADHD.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can also help control ADHD symptoms. This is especially helpful for children who are still building habits. You may try:
- limiting television time, especially during dinner and other times of concentration
- getting involved in a sport or hobby
- increasing organizational skills
- setting goals and attainable rewards
- sticking to a daily routine
Since there is no cure for ADHD, treatment is necessary to improve quality of life. Treatment can also help children succeed in school. Despite some of the challenges often seen in childhood, some symptoms improve with age. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) notes that the brain of an ADHD patient does reach a “normal” state, but it’s just delayed. Also, despite gender differences within brain structure and function within ADHD, it’s important to note that males and females undergo the same treatments.
Ask your doctor if your child’s current treatment plan may need a second look. You may also consider talking to professionals at your child’s school to explore possible supplemental services. It’s important to remember that with the right treatment, your child can live a normal and happy life.
Q:
Is it true that ADHD is under recognized in girls? If so, why?
A:
ADHD has long been associated with boys and hyperactive behavior. Many cases of ADHD are brought to the attention of parents by teachers who note the child’s disruptive behaviors in class. Hyperactive behavior by its very nature is more distracting or problematic than the inattentive behavior often seen in girls with ADHD. Those with inattentive symptoms of ADHD generally do not claim the attention of their teachers and, as a result, are often not recognized as having a disorder.
Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PMHNP-BCAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.Anatomy of the Brain
The anatomy of the brain is complex due its intricate structure and function. This amazing organ acts as a control center by receiving, interpreting, and directing sensory information throughout the body. The brain and spinal cord are the two main structures of the central nervous system. There are three major divisions of the brain. They are the forebrain, the midbrain, and the hindbrain.
Key Takeaways
- The forebrain, the midbrain, and the hindbrain are the three main parts of the brain.
- The forebrain has two major parts called the diencephalon and the telencephalon. The forebrain is responsible for a number of functions related to thinking, perceiving, and evaluating sensory information.
- The midbrain, also called the mesencephalon, connects the hindbrain and the forebrain. It is associated with motor functions and auditory and visual responses.
- The hindbrain contains both the metencephalon and the myelencephalon. The hindbrain is associated with balance and equilibrium and the coordination of movement along with autonomic functions like our breathing and our heart rate.
- Both the midbrain and the hindbrain make up the brainstem.
Brain Divisions
The forebrain is the division of the brain that is responsible for a variety of functions including receiving and processing sensory information, thinking, perceiving, producing and understanding language, and controlling motor function. There are two major divisions of forebrain: the diencephalon and the telencephalon. The diencephalon contains structures such as the thalamus and hypothalamus which are responsible for such functions as motor control, relaying sensory information, and controlling autonomic functions. The telencephalon contains the largest part of the brain, the cerebrum. Most of the actual information processing in the brain takes place in the cerebral cortex.
The midbrain and the hindbrain together make up the brainstem. The midbrain or mesencephalon, is the portion of the brainstem that connects the hindbrain and the forebrain. This region of the brain is involved in auditory and visual responses as well as motor function.
The hindbrain extends from the spinal cord and is composed of the metencephalon and myelencephalon. The metencephalon contains structures such as the pons and cerebellum. These regions assists in maintaining balance and equilibrium, movement coordination, and the conduction of sensory information. The myelencephalon is composed of the medulla oblongata which is responsible for controlling such autonomic functions as breathing, heart rate, and digestion.
Anatomy of the Brain: Structures
The brain contains various structures that have a multitude of functions. Below is a list of major structures of the brain and some of their functions.
Basal Ganglia
- Involved in cognition and voluntary movement
- Diseases related to damages of this area are Parkinson's and Huntington's
- Relays information between the peripheral nerves and spinal cord to the upper parts of the brain
- Consists of the midbrain, medulla oblongata, and the pons
- Speech production
- Understanding language
- Deep grove that separates the parietal and frontal lobes
- Controls movement coordination
- Maintains balance and equilibrium
- Outer portion (1.5mm to 5mm) of the cerebrum
- Receives and processes sensory information
- Divided into cerebral cortex lobes
- Frontal Lobes -involved with decision-making, problem solving, and planning
- Occipital Lobes-involved with vision and color recognition
- Parietal Lobes - receives and processes sensory information
- Temporal Lobes - involved with emotional responses, memory, and speech
- Largest portion of the brain
- Consists of folded bulges called gyri that create deep furrows
Brain Structure And Function In Gender Dysphoria
- Thick band of fibers that connects the left and right brain hemispheres
- Twelve pairs of nerves that originate in the brain, exit the skull, and lead to the head, neck and torso
- Deep grove that separates the parietal and temporal lobes
- Amygdala - involved in emotional responses, hormonal secretions, and memory
- Cingulate Gyrus - a fold in the brain involved with sensory input concerning emotions and the regulation of aggressive behavior
- Fornix - an arching, fibrous band of white matter axons (nerve fibers) that connect the hippocampus to the hypothalamus
- Hippocampus - sends memories out to the appropriate part of the cerebral hemisphere for long-term storage and retrieves them when necessary
- Hypothalamus - directs a multitude of important functions such as body temperature, hunger, and homeostasis
- Olfactory Cortex - receives sensory information from the olfactory bulb and is involved in the identification of odors
- Thalamus - mass of gray matter cells that relay sensory signals to and from the spinal cord and the cerebrum
- Lower part of the brainstem that helps to control autonomic functions
- Membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord
- Bulb-shaped end of the olfactory lobe
- Involved in the sense of smell
- Endocrine gland involved in biological rhythms
- Secretes the hormone melatonin
- Endocrine gland involved in homeostasis
- Regulates other endocrine glands
- Relays sensory information between the cerebrum and cerebellum
- Region of the brain where spoken language is understood
Midbrain
Cerebral Peduncle
- anterior portion of the midbrain consisting of large bundles of nerve fiber tracts that connect the forebrain to the hindbrain
Reticular Formation
- Nerve fibers located inside the brainstem and a component of the tegmentum (midbrain)
- Regulates awareness and sleep
Substantia Nigra
- Helps to control voluntary movement and regulates mood (midbrain)
Pokemon platinum rom download pc. Tectum
Brain Structure And Function Journal
- The dorsal region of the mesencephalon (midbrain)
- Assists in visual and auditory reflexes
Tegmentum
- The ventral region of the mesencephalon (midbrain)
- Includes the reticular formation and the red nucleus
Brain Ventricles
Ventricular System - connecting system of internal brain cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid
- Aqueduct of Sylvius - canal that is located between the third ventricle and the fourth ventricle
- Choroid Plexus - produces cerebrospinal fluid
- Fourth Ventricle - canal that runs between the pons, medulla oblongata, and the cerebellum
- Lateral Ventricle - largest of the ventricles and located in both brain hemispheres
- Third Ventricle - provides a pathway for cerebrospinal fluid to flow
More About the Brain
For additional information about the brain, see Divisions of the Brain. Would you like to test your knowledge of the human brain? Take the Human Brain Quiz!