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Understanding the Human Brain

Your brain is the most complex organ in your body — the control centre for everything you think, feel and do.

What is the Brain?

The brain is a soft, folded organ that sits inside your skull and weighs about 1.4 kg — roughly the weight of a pineapple. It contains around 86 billion neurons (nerve cells) that communicate through electrical signals. Despite making up only 2% of your body weight, it uses about 20% of your body's oxygen and energy. It is the command centre of your entire body.

Human Brain Diagram

🔍 Key Parts of the Brain

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Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, divided into two hemispheres. Controls thinking, reasoning, memory, speech, movement, emotions and sensory processing. The outer layer is called the cerebral cortex.

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Cerebellum

Located at the back and bottom of the brain. Coordinates balance, posture and fine motor movements. It helps you walk smoothly, catch a ball, or write without shaking.

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Brain Stem

Connects the brain to the spinal cord. Controls automatic life-sustaining functions: breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure, swallowing and sleep cycles. It never switches off.

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Hypothalamus

A small but vital region that regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, hormones, and sleep. It links the nervous system to the endocrine (hormone) system.

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Hippocampus

Located deep inside the brain, it plays a key role in forming new memories and helping with navigation and spatial awareness. It's shaped like a seahorse — its name comes from the Greek word for seahorse.

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Amygdala

Two almond-shaped clusters that process emotions — especially fear, anxiety, and pleasure. It triggers your "fight or flight" response when you face danger.

🗺️ The Four Lobes of the Cerebrum

The cerebrum is divided into four regions called lobes, each responsible for different functions:

🟠 Frontal Lobe

Decision-making, problem solving, planning, personality, movement and speech production. Located at the front of the brain.

🔵 Parietal Lobe

Processes touch, pain, temperature, and spatial awareness. Helps you understand where your body is in space.

🟢 Occipital Lobe

Dedicated to vision — processes colour, light, and movement. Damage here can cause vision loss even if your eyes are healthy.

🔴 Temporal Lobe

Handles hearing, language comprehension, and memory. Contains the hippocampus and amygdala.

🩸 Why Blood Supply to the Brain Is Critical

The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood to function. Four major arteries supply the brain: two carotid arteries at the front and two vertebral arteries at the back. When blood flow is interrupted — even briefly — brain cells begin to die within 4–6 minutes. This is exactly what happens during a stroke.

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4–6 min
Brain cells start dying without blood
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20%
Of body's oxygen used by the brain
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86 billion
Neurons in the human brain
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750 ml
Blood pumped to brain every minute

💡 How to Keep Your Brain Healthy

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Eat Well

Choose fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, and limit salt, sugar and processed foods.

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Stay Active

Exercise improves blood flow to the brain. Even daily walking helps enormously.

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Sleep Well

The brain clears waste products during sleep. Aim for 7–9 hours per night.

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Avoid Smoking

Smoking damages blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the brain and increasing stroke risk.

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Keep Learning

Reading, puzzles, and new skills strengthen brain connections and improve mental resilience.

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Check BP

High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke. Check regularly at your nearest health post.

Act FAST – Every Second Counts

Recognize stroke signs early:

F – Face drooping | A – Arm weakness | S – Speech difficulty | T – Time to act

Get Help Now