The human brain is an extraordinarily complex biological system underpinning cognition and experience. This complexity is evident at all levels, from genetics to molecular, cellular, network and systems constituents. This article provides an overview of these constituents, their organization and the processes in which they are engaged. We discuss the shaping influences of development and evolution, and describe the brain’s structure and function at several levels: cellular features, the organization of neurons into functional systems, the gross anatomy of the nervous system and the specific structural and functional properties of the cerebral cortex. There is considerable evidence that cortical activity – though not all cortical activity – is correlated with conscious experiences, but exactly which activities constitute consciousness is unclear.

Item Type:	Research Book Chapter
Keywords:	brain, neuroscience, CNS
Research Division:	Medical and Health Sciences
Research Group:	Neurosciences
Research Field:	Central Nervous System
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Other Health
Objective Field:	Health not elsewhere classified
Author:	Kirkcaldie, MTK (Dr Matthew Kirkcaldie)
ID Code:	88546
Year Published:	2013
Deposited By:	Medicine (Discipline)
Deposited On:	2014-02-06
Last Modified:	2017-11-06
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