The brain is our most important organ and perhaps the least well
understood. Our brain is the “command station” for our body. It controls
what we think, what we feel and what we do. It is the home of our
emotions and personality. It makes sense of our experiences.
But how does the brain work? The truth is that, after decades of research,
scientists and doctors are only now beginning to figure out that question.
We know that different types of cells in the brain work together to form
certain areas which have specialist roles in memory, vision and logical
thinking. We also know that hormones and chemicals influence our brain
and our emotions and that we are very sensitive to changes in their levels.
We know that the different brain areas mature at different stages and are
connected by tracts, rather like railway lines, which can sometimes go
astray and lead to illnesses. And finally we know that by looking in the
blood we can find clues, called biomarkers, which may ultimately help us
to understand and predict brain disorders.
Through this book we want to help everyone to understand the workings
of the brain through pictures and cartoons. If you would like to learn
more about these pictures go to our website rcsi.ie/brainjourneyhttp://epubs.rcsi.ie/psychbooks/1000/thumbnail.jp
