Neurons (also known as nerve cells) are the basic components of the brain and nervous system. Nerve cells receive sensory information from the outside world and transmit those messages with other neurons via electrical impulses until it reaches the brain or muscles.
The elongated structure of a neuron mainly comprises three parts - dendrites, axon, and a cell body. Dendrites receive the information first from other neighbouring neurons, and then the information travels from the cell body, along the axon, all the way to the synapse. Dendrites are the extended branches that arise from the neuron's cell body. The cell body contains the nucleus and DNA. The axon is the longest fibre and the output structure, allowing the electrical impulse to pass through it easily.
Human brain
The human brain serves as the nerve system's command centre. It receives information from the sensory organs and directs it to the muscles for necessary action. It regulates all biological functions, processes input from the environment, relays that input to the concerned muscle, etc.
Forebrain
The forebrain is the part of the brain that receives and processes sensory information, thinks, perceives, produces, and understands language, and controls motor activity. The forebrain is divided into two regions -- diencephalon and telencephalon. The thalamus and hypothalamus present in the diencephalon region of the forebrain are primarily involved in motor coordination, sensory information transmission, and autonomic activity direction. The cerebral cortex, which is the biggest part of the brain, housed in the telencephalon, is where most information processing occurs.
Midbrain
The midbrain, also known as the mesencephalon, is a part of the brainstem that joins the hindbrain and forebrain. The brainstem consists of the midbrain and hindbrain together. Auditory and visual responses, as well as motor functions, are all performed by this brain region.
Hindbrain
The metencephalon and myelencephalon make up the hindbrain, extending from the spinal cord. The pons and cerebellum are among the structures found in the metencephalon. These areas aid in maintaining balance and equilibrium and movement coordination, and sensory transmission of information. The medulla oblongata, which controls autonomic activities, including breathing, heart rate, and digestion, is located in the myelencephalon.
Reflex action
A reflex action is an automatic response to a stimulus that occurs suddenly. The reaction to the stimulus is involuntary and rapid. It aids organisms in promptly adapting to a threatening situation that may result in bodily injury or death. A typical example of a reflex action is withdrawing our hands when it comes into contact with a hot or cold object.
Reflex arc
The neural path along which a reflex travels is called the reflex arc. It is because most sensory neurons are connected to the spinal cord. This property permits reflex actions to happen quickly by firing spinal nerve fibres without waiting for signals to be routed through the brain. Yet, the brain will still get sensory information throughout the reflex movement.
Endocrine system
The endocrine system consists of hormone-producing glands. Hormones are chemical messengers that transport messages and instructions from one part of the body to another. The endocrine glands that make up the endocrine system are briefly explained below.
Hypothalamus - The hypothalamus, located in the brain region, connects your endocrine and nervous systems. Its primary function is to instruct your pituitary gland to begin or stop producing hormones.
Pituitary gland - The pituitary gland, located in the brain region, directs other glands to secrete major hormones like prolactin, vasopressin, corticosteroid, oxytocin, etc. It is called the master gland for this reason.
Pineal gland - The pineal gland, located in the brain region, produces melatonin, a hormone that aids in preparing your body for sleep.
Thyroid gland - The thyroid gland, located in the neck region, is responsible for releasing thyroid hormone responsible for your growth and metabolism. The thyroid gland also secretes calcitonin, allowing calcium to absorb bone and provide bone strength.
Parathyroid - Parathyroid, located in the neck region, is a group of four tiny glands behind your thyroid. They are important for bone health. The glands regulate calcium and phosphorus levels.
Thymus - The thymus, located between the lungs, produces T-lymphocytes (white blood cells) that fight illness and are important as a child's immune system grows. However, following puberty, the thymus begins to decrease.
Adrenals - The adrenals, located on top of the kidneys, are well-recognised for producing the "fight or flight" hormone called adrenaline, but they also produce chemicals called corticosteroids. They impact your metabolism, blood circulation, sex drive, etc.
Pancreas - Pancreas, located behind the stomach, serves both the digestive and endocrine systems. It produces digestive enzymes, which aid in the digestion of food. In addition, insulin and glucagon are two hormones produced by the pancreas. These ensure that the proper quantity of sugar is present in your bloodstream.
Ovaries - Ovaries, located in the pelvic region, produce estrogen and progesterone in females. These hormones aid in the development of breasts throughout puberty, regulating menstruation, and supporting a pregnancy.
Testes - Testes, located in the pelvic region, produce testosterone in males. It aids in the growth of face and body hair throughout puberty. It also instructs the penis to grow bigger and aids in the production of sperm.