Cranial Basics provides a quick reference for information regarding the structures and function of the brain. The Treatment Options section contains additional information on the anatomy of the brain, brain tumors and treatment methods. The Glossary section provides more detailed definitions of many of the terms associated with the brain and associated conditions.

OVERVIEW

The brain, a soft, spongy mass of nerve and supportive tissue, serves many important functions. The brain, the spinal cord and the nerves extending into various parts of the body, act together to send and receive information and instructions.

The human brain is well protected from injury. It is firmly surrounded by three layers of membranes, encased in a rigid skull (the cranium), and covered by a muscular scalp. Each of these barriers is important, because the brain tissue is fragile and unforgiving if injured.

In addition to being one of the largest organs of the body, the brain is also one of the most complex in terms of structure and function. The brain integrates almost every physical and mental activity of the human body. With the use of the five senses: sight, smell, touch, hearing and taste the brain receives many messages at one time. It can determine the importance of each message and tells the body how to react. The brain is the center for memory, emotion, thought, judgment, reasoning, and consciousness.