Describe the structure of the human brain and the functions of its departments.

The brain is part of the central nervous system, it consists of gray and white matter. The white matter is the processes of nerve cells, and the gray matter is their bodies. The most ancient part of the brain is called the stem, it consists of the medulla oblongata, midbrain and diencephalon. Here are the main vital centers that provide breathing, heart function, digestive system, as well as many protective reflexes (coughing, vomiting, sneezing). The medulla oblongata also performs a conductive function; all conductive pathways from the periphery pass through it to the brain. The midbrain is of great importance for the orienting reflex; the center for controlling eye movements and maintaining muscle tone is located here. The diencephalon conducts sensory information, regulates metabolism. Another part of the brain, the cerebellum, is responsible for the coordination of movements. The telencephalon consists of the right and left hemispheres, between which the corpus callosum is located. Outside is the gray matter – the cerebral cortex, under the cortex is the white matter – the pathways. The cerebral cortex provides all the higher mental functions: thinking, speech, perception, memory and learning.