The Brain as a System

The word systems is used to refer specifically to self-regulating systems, i.e. that are self-correcting through feedback.Self-regulating systems are found in nature, including the physiological systems of our body, in local and global ecosystems, and in climate—and inhuman learning processes (1). The Brain is a great example of a very complex system within your body and the centerpiece of the nervous system. The brain which is controlled by your nervous system controls every aspect of our body, from our emotions, hunger, andinstinct to our ability to feel pain. When you are feeling angry, sad, happy,or confused all of these emotions you feel are because your brain is telling you to feel them. The brain sends signals to our bodies constantly telling us to breath, to eat, to pull our hands away from something that is going to cause us pain. In other words your brain is truly the computer system of your body. The brain may simply be the bossiest part of the body: It tells virtually every other part of your body what to do, all the time, whether you're aware of it or not. It not only controls what you think and feel, how you learn and remember, and the way you move your body, but also things you might be less aware of — such as the beating of your heart and whether you feel sleepy or awake. (2) As much as a powerhouse as the brain is, unfortunately it can be overtaken by disease which will cause this well oiled machine to breakdown and no longer be able to function as a system. Diseases likes Alzheimers, ALS and BiPolar disorders are all conditions that directly affect the operating system of the brain. From no longer being able to remember who you or your family members are to something as severe as the brain no longer being able to signal your body to breathe, all of the above diseases will cause a breakdown of the system we call the brain. The human brain and nervous system are extremely complex systems. When something goes wrong in the brain or nervous system it is typically difficult (if not impossible) to cure. Most families will at some point encounter the devastating effects of such neuropathologies as glioblastoma multiforme, low-grade glioma,Parkinson’s, bipolar disorder, or Alzheimer’s. Cancers of the brain are particularly malignant and hard to treat. Even with recent medical advances,the progression of brain tumors is nearly always fatal. 1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_theory 2. http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/body_basics/brain_nervous_system.html 3. http://www.systemsbiology.org/systems-biology-brain