BRAIN

                      The brain is a part of the body that allows us to make sense of the world around us and
to change our behavior to respond to it. Our brain is the control center of the whole body. It receives messages from all parts of our body and sends out necessary commands to control the body's actions. The brain is made up of a special type of cells. They are connected with each other and with the nerves in our body. The delicate brain is protected on the outside by strong skull bones. The brain is made of three main parts: the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain. The forebrain consists of the cerebrum, thalamus, and hypothalamus (part of the limbic system). The midbrain consists of the tectum and tegmentum. The hindbrain is made of the cerebellum, pons and medulla. Often the midbrain, pons, and medulla are referred to together as the brainstem.
                         Brain uses approximately 20% of the total oxygen pumping around the body…and about
750ml of blood pumps through the brain every minute. Information travels at different speeds within different types of neurons. Transmission can be as slow as 0.5 meters/sec or as fast as 120 meters/sec. 80% of the brain is water. Living brain tissue is a squishy, pink and jellylike organ.

The Human Brain

WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF THE SPINAL CORD IN OUR BRAIN?

                         The spinal cord is not in the brain. The brain extends down as the spinal cord. Both these together form the central nervous system. The spinal cord, which is around 42 cm long, runs through the vertebral column as it passes down gives rise to spinal nerves. There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves which further branch out through the body. These spinal nerves bring sensations from the outer environment to the brain and also carry the order of the brain to muscles or other body parts. The spinal cord thus acts as an important channel between the spinal nerves and the brain.

The Spinal Cord

WHAT MAKES US FEEL TIRED?

                            All day long our muscles are used as we do different types of work. The energy comes from A.T.P or Adenosine Triphosphate which gets converted into lactic acid. This must be removed constantly to allow the muscles to function. There are also other chemicals collectively called fatigue toxins which go round the body in the blood. So not only does your hand feel tired after you've been using it for a long while, your entire body including the brain experiences fatigue.
                             Rest is the best cure for fatigue. However a change in activity can also refresh you. You can rest by doing something different e.g. go for a walk, play a game, or sing. Activity increases the respiration, improves blood circulation and makes the glands more active and the toxins are removed faster from the tired parts of the body. However if you are extremely fatigued you will find yourself dropping off to sleep even if you try to do something else.

A Tired Person