Indeed, in strictly biological terms, these structures can claim priority over the cerebral cortex. But underneath this layer reside many other specialized structures that are essential for movement, consciousness, sexuality, the action of our five senses, and more-all equally valuable to human existence. The cortex contains the physical structures responsible for most of what we call ''brainwork": cognition, mental imagery, the highly sophisticated processing of visual information, and the ability to produce and understand language. The preponderance of the cerebral cortex (which, with its supporting structures, makes up approximately 80 percent of the brain's total volume) is actually a recent development in the course of evolution.
This schematic image refers mainly to the cerebral cortex, the outermost layer that overlies most of the other brain structures like a fantastically wrinkled tissue wrapped around an orange. We do not experience our brain as an assembly of physical structures (nor would we wish to, perhaps) if we envision it at all, we are likely to see it as a large, rounded walnut, grayish in color. This, in turn, sends signals to your brain to help you maintain your balance.Outside the specialized world of neuroanatomy and for most of the uses of daily life, the brain is more or less an abstract entity. When you tilt your head or move your body, the movement shifts the crystals and causes the hair cells to bend. Each of these organs contains hair cells, which are covered with a layer of tiny calcium crystals called otoconia. These organs, also located in the inner ear, detect when you tilt your head, change your body position, or move forward – like when you’re walking down the sidewalk, for example. The Role of the Utricle and Sacculeįinally, the utricle and saccule are two vestibular organs that help detect linear movement. This fluid moves when you move your head, activating the tiny hairs lining the canal and communicating the direction and speed of movement to your brain. Your semicircular canals contain a fluid known as endolymph. Did you recover quickly from the sudden movement? Your semicircular canals, located in your inner ear, helped with that. Try moving your head up and down quickly. This is a major factor in maintaining your overall equilibrium, or sense of balance. Your temporal lobe has a direct line to the cerebellum by neural pathways, allowing your brain to process stimuli and react quickly – by jumping away from a loud sound, for example. The temporal lobes are located in the cerebrum, and they help process audio and visual stimuli. Have you ever flinched upon hearing a loud noise? You have your temporal lobes to thank. Here, we’ll explore a more detailed explanation of how your brain’s balance system works. SELECTED FOR YOU: Want to work on your balance? Dust off that old Wii Fit! How Does the Balance System Work? Overall, the vestibular system helps you maintain a sense of equilibrium, preventing falls and dizziness. This helps you maintain your balance by ensuring that your brain processes your body’s position every time it changes. Located in the inner ear, the vestibular system provides your brain with information on things like motion, the position of your head, and sudden movements. Think of the vestibular system as a messenger service. There are several other parts of the brain that also contribute to balance functions, including something known as the vestibular system. The cerebellum controls a number of functions including movement, speech, balance, and posture. Science American explains that the cerebellum – sometimes quaintly known as the “little brain“ – is located at the very back of your skull. And while your balance system engages several parts of your brain, the main part of the brain that controls balance is the cerebellum. There are countless little gears, conveyor belts, and workers milling about, each of them serving a unique purpose to keep you moving through the world. What Part of the Brain Controls Balance? What Part of the Brain Controls Balance? But what part of the brain controls balance? Your brain is responsible for helping you walk, run, and even stand on one foot. But while these processes might seem effortless, the reality is that your brain is constantly working to keep your balance system functioning properly. Depending on your ability level, you probably don’t think twice about standing upright, walking around, and sitting up straight.
It’s easy to take the balance system for granted.