Influence of Brain on Behavior

The Brain and its Influence on My Behavior

The brain is a complex structure of the human body which is divided into many parts that perform important and specific functions. The said parts control how individuals react to anxious situations by way of the five senses of taste, touch, hearing, smell, and sight. This is more so the case owing to the fact that the brain controls speech, memory, feelings, and thoughts (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, n. d). Therefore, it is important to note that the brain influences human behavior. In this text, I will explain the various parts of the brain and how the said parts are likely to influence my behavior.

The brain makes up part of the nervous system which is made up of several neurons which conveys information to various parts of the body through electrical events. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (n. d) suggests that the nervous system is made up of peripheral nervous system and central nervous system. The central nervous system is made up of the spinal cord and the brain with its cranial nerves. On the other hand, the peripheral nervous system is made up of ganglia and spinal nerves that connects peripheral organs of the body to the central nervous system (Shriver, 2018). The nervous system is also made up of different types of cells. However, the neurons which are made up of axon, dendrites, and cell body form the functional unit of the cell. It is the said extensions that enable neurons to send information in lengthy distances (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, n. d).

According to National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (n. d), the brain is made up of three parts - essentially, the hindbrain, the midbrain, and the forebrain. The hindbrain forms the back of the head which includes the cerebellum, the brain stem, and the upper part of the spinal cord. It connects the brain with the spinal cord. It is in the hindbrain that crucial functions of the body inclusive of heart rate and respiration are regulated (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, n. d). The midbrain is located at the upper part of the brain which connects the hindbrain to the forebrain. The midbrain controls quick responses of the body. In addition, involuntary actions and eye movements are controlled through the circuits in the midbrain (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, n. d). The forebrain is located at the front part of the head. It consists of the cerebrum which makes up the largest part of the brain. The cerebrum enables people to acknowledge friends, imagine, think, plan, and hold memories (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, n. d). The cerebrum is divided into two parts. However, it is important to note that the two parts, i.e. the right and the left hemisphere control each other. For instance, when any part of the brain is impaired, the rest of the other body parts are also affected.

Moreover, the said halves of the cerebrum are split into lobes (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, n. d) - essentially, the two frontal lobes, parietal lobes, occipital lobes, and the temporal lobes. To start with, the frontal lobes - which are located directly at the back of forehead - are responsible for cognitive goals of the brain which are inclusive of, but they are not limited to; reasoned arguments, imaginations, and plans that people make. The said lobes are able to perform the said activities through temporal sites whereby ideas are considered while one idea is kept in mind. A motor area which is located at the hindmost part of each lobe controls actions that cannot be controlled. On the other hand, the left frontal lobe consists of a broca’s area which transforms thoughts into words (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, n. d). The occipital lobes are found behind the frontal lobes. Occipital lobes control body movements, touch, taste, and temperature. The said lobes also control and process images through the eyes. Therefore, when the said lobes are destroyed blindness could result. Temporal lobes which are located under frontal lobes and parietal lobes retrieve and form memories through touch, sight, sound, and taste (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, n. d).

One of the part of my brain that I believe is overdeveloped happens to be the midbrain. This is more so the case owing to the fact that I do not get angry easily or encounter distress after an argument. On the other hand, I believe that my forebrain is underdeveloped. This is more so the case owing to the fact that it becomes difficult for me to detect aromas. For instance, when served with certain kinds of food, it is often not possible to explain the aroma of the said food.