Exploring the Brain: Hemispheric Differences, Neurons, Glia Cells, and Nervous System Functions

Exploring the Brain: Hemispheric Differences, Neurons, Glia Cells, and Nervous System Functions

The course readings have been very informative and detailed. I took an instant interest in the reading on the differences that exist between the left and the right hemispheres of the brain (Differences Between Left and Right Hemisphere, n.d.). The reading provided details about the two hemispheres of the brain and the difference in function between them. While both hemispheres are involved in all body functions, the right hemisphere is said to be more visual and processes holistically, intuitively, and randomly, whereas the left hemisphere functions as the ‘seat of language’ and processes in sequential and logical order (Edwards, 2012). The reading claimed that people have been identified to have a dominant brain side. I personally had a concern with this claim and would want to inquire whether there are people who do not have a dominant side. If so, is that perfectly normal or would it have consequences on the individual’s body functions?

The reading on different types of neurons and their functions was well detailed and very informative (Neuroscience For Kids, n.d.). I found the images in the descriptions of various neuron types very helpful in the elaboration of the descriptions. The general information section was also very informative. For instance, I did not know that many neuron types are not replaced when they die (Wood et al., 2000; Neuroscience For Kids, n.d.). Are there specific neurons that are associated with the transfer of specific ‘messages’ in the human nervous system? The reading on Glia cells was perhaps the most entertaining since most of us were not aware of any other cells in the brain (Neuroscience for Kids, n.d.). It was amazing to learn about the types and functions of the glia cells. The brain museum provides a good collection of brains from various mammals for comparison purposes (Comparative Mammalian Brain Collections, n.d.). The site provides information on the brains of different mammals, and I found it very detailed. The various functions of the human brain are also detailed in the site, providing a good academic reference for the course.

During the discussion on the various basic features of the nervous system and the PNS, several issues were raised regarding the various parts of the brain and their functions. It was entertaining and brilliant that the human brain was related to a car, and the various parts and functions explained by the use of symbolism using car parts. For instance, the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that is responsible for the regulation of the human body temperature, was explained by relating it with the radiator of a car, a part responsible for the regulation of the engine temperature. This explanation made it easy to understand the different parts of the nervous system and their respective functions. I have used this approach to understand the functions of all the other parts of the nervous system, making it more memorable.

The ‘Why Some Wrinkles Are Good’ reading explained the process of the formation of the nervous system clearly. I have always wanted to know why the brains of mammals had numerous wrinkles, and the reading provided an answer to my question. However, I am still curious. Does it mean that highly intelligent people have more brain wrinkles or larger brain sizes compared to people with low or average intelligence?

References

Comparative Mammalian Brain Collections. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2019, from http://www.brainmuseum.org/

Differences Between Left and Right Hemisphere. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2019, from http://capone.mtsu.edu/studskl/hd/hemis.html

Edwards, B. (2012). Drawing on the right side of the brain: The definitive. Penguin.

Neuroscience For Kids. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2019, from http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/cells.html

Neuroscience for Kids. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2019, from http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/glia.html

Wood, E. R., Dudchenko, P. A., Robitsek, R. J., & Eichenbaum, H. (2000). Hippocampal neurons encode information about different types of memory episodes occurring in the same location. Neuron, 27(3), 623-633.