How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Understanding the brain

Explanations > How the Brain Works > Understanding the brain

Here is a set of pages on how the brain and nervous system works, in a sequence that may, if you wish, be read like a book.

The big picture

Here's some details on the bigger picture of the brain and other articles and notes.

Physiological psychology: The study of brain and behavior.
The nervous system: The main systems of the brain and body nerves.
Neural directions: Fancy names used.

Brain cells

Neurons are the major component of the brain and nervous systems.

Neurons: The main neural cells.
Neuron internals: The bits inside neurons.
Glia: Supporting neural cells.
Schwann cells: provide myelin in peripheral system.
Blood-brain barrier: Keeping them apart.
Neural electronics: Transmission down axons.
Inter-neuron communication: How neurons communicate with one another.

Brain parts

Here are parts of the brain and their main constituents and purpose.

Brain subdivisions: Major parts.
Left and right brain: Hemisphere differences.
Forebrain: The big bit.
Ventricular system: Fluid-filled central cavities.
Cerebral cortex: The thinking walnut.
Limbic system: Central kit of parts.
Basal ganglia: A few other bits.
Midbrain: Two central systems.
Hindbrain: The old bit.

Brain chemistry

There are many chemicals and substances that affect the brain.

Drug action in neurons: How drugs affect neuron communication.
Neurotransmitters: Synaptic connectors.
- Monoamines
- Amino acids
Narcotic drugs
Oxytocin

Brain dysfunction

The brain does not always work as is should, resulting in dysfunctional perceptions and behaviors that are not what most would call 'normal'.

Aphasia: Loss of ability to speak.

See also

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