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Biology LibreTexts

14.1: Brain

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    53716

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    Brain

    human brain, lateral view

    Above: A human brain, lateral view of the left side.

    The brain is a complex organ with integrated parts. It contains over 100 billion neurons that are specialized to form different regions of the brain. As the brain develops, its neurons develop in complexity, become specialized into specific brain areas and functions, create circuits or pathways based on repeated experiences with some pathways fading away when they are not used.

    Anatomy of the Brain

    The brain can be subdivided into four different regions (listed superior to inferior): the cerebrum, the diencephalon, the cerebellum, and the brainstem.