High Science

We're talking about the brain! It's important to note that we are talking neuroscience here and not psychology. Neuroscience is the study of the brain while psychology is the study of the mind. So what is the brain? How did it evolve? How does it work? Evolution and Structure of the Brain The first nervous system evolved in a group of animals known as cnidaria. Jellyfish are a part of this group. This simple nervous system is known as a "nerve net". Our centralized nervous system evolved in steps. First the medulla oblongata was present and this structure controls involuntary actions like heartbeat, digestion, etc. This part is located at the top of your spinal cord. Another structure near the medulla is known as the cerebellum. This is a bulb above the back of your neck. This structure controls balance and coordination. It also plays an important role in motor control. You can thank your cerebellum whenever you pick up a glass of water and don't crush it in your grip. The midbrain is the next structure that