The brain has three main parts. The cerebrum is the principal one which is divided in two halves and connected by some 200 million nerve fibers. Most of its surface is deeply folded so that its 400 square inches can fit into a small space at the top of the head. The cerebrum contains what is commonly called “gray matter.” This is where the brain receives messages from various parts of the body and distributes them to the proper cells, as we discussed last week. Actually, the electrical circuits and controls in the brain are more numerous than those in all the broadcasting stations of the world combined.
There are “silent” areas in the front part of the brain which do not connect to body parts. In this place activities of thinking, affection, pity, knowledge, memory, etc. are developed.
Another part of the brain is the cerebellum, which is under the back part of the cerebrum. Here control is maintained over the body’s muscles. Also from this part of the brain the skills of a musician, doctor, artist, athlete, etc. originate.
The third section is known as the medulla oblongata. This is shaped like a bulb at the top of the spinal column. Here control is maintained over “automatic” things, such as breathing, heartbeat, blood circulation, performance of the stomach, liver, etc. This, too, is the area that regulates emergency action in case of fright, running, fighting, or anything that puts a strain on the heart or lungs. If you are to stay alive, these things must always be controlled this way.
The brain is connected to the all-important spinal cord and is protected by the skull. The skull has been designed with a large hole at its base which fits snugly to the top of the spine. Through this hole the nerve cord descends from the brain to reach all vital parts of the body. The Creator has seen to it that they are all well protected.
How does the brain produce thoughts? What actually is the mind? No one knows except the One who has created us. All in all, the brain is indeed a superb product of His creation, with no supervision needed on our part to keep it in order.
But, sad to say, we do not always use our brain and mind as we should. The prophet Jeremiah declared: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:99The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9). However, if we know the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, He has given us a new nature and delights to see our hearts and minds using that nature to please Him by walking in right paths.
A good prayer to express every day is, “Teach me Thy way, O Lord; I will walk in Thy truth: unite my heart to fear Thy name.” Psalms 86:1111Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. (Psalm 86:11).
ML-01/30/1983