What+is+the+brain+made+of?


 * __WHAT IS THE BRAIN MADE OF?__**

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What is the brain made of? First, we need to know what the brain is. The brain is an organ in the human body located inside of the skull of a human, and serves as the body’s control center. The brain receives information from the senses, about what the condition is like both inside and outside of the body. The brain quickly analyzes the information from the senses and sends out signals that control the body’s glands and muscles. The brain also stores information from experiences in the past, making learning and remembering possible. Also, the brain is the organ of the mind. It is the source of all thoughts, moods, and emotions. The brain is like the nucleus in a cell because both the brain and nucleus are the control centers. The nucleus is the control center of a cell while the brain is the control center of the human body.

Now, what is the brain made of? The brains of vertebrates are made up of very soft tissue. Brain tissue that is living is pink on the outside, while being mainly white on the inside. The brains of vertebrates are surrounded by a system of meninges that separate the skull from the brain. There are holes in the meningeal layers so blood vessels can enter the central nervous systems. The cells in the blood vessel walls are joined, forming a barrier, which protects the brain from toxins entering the blood stream. The brain also contains about 100 billion nerve cells called neurons, which transmit nerve impulses. The brain is also made of glial cells, which come in different types, and have multiple critical functions such as structural support, metabolic support, insulation, and guidance of development.

Specific Terminology

__Gland:__ A gland is a tissue or organ that produces and releases a chemical substance. The chemical substance that is released performs a lot of functions. Some help keep the skin moist, or help regulate growth and development of the body. __Vertebrates:__ An animal of a large group distinguished by the possession of a backbone/spinal column. Includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes. __Neurons:__ A specialized cell that transmits nerve impulses. __Meninges:__ A system of membranes that covers the central nervous system.

References:

1. [] Striedter, Georg F. "Brain." //World Book Advanced//. World Book, 2012. Web. Viewed 24 Jan. 2012.

2. [] Burkemper, Nicole M., and Dee Anna Glaser. "Gland." //World Book Advanced//. World Book, 2012. Web. Viewed 24 Jan. 2012.

3. []© by Serendip 1994-2012 - Last Modified: Friday, 03-Jun-2005 10:45:07 EDT. Viewed Jan. 30th. 2012.

4. [] Last modified: 6 February 2012 at 19:21. Viewed Feb. 7th. 2012.

5. []Viewed Feb. 6th. 2012. Kalmbach Publishing co. Copyright © 2012. Published online May 17 2011. Zimmer, Carl.

Megan Lee 8.3 February 10th 2012

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