Brain monitors internal environment from "summary" of Discovering the Brain by National Academy of Sciences,Institute of Medicine,Sandra Ackerman
The brain constantly receives information from the body. It is like a vigilant monitor, always checking on the internal environment to ensure everything is functioning properly. This monitoring process is crucial for maintaining homeostasis, the body's internal balance. The brain gathers information from various sources within the body, such as the blood, organs, and nerves. It processes this information through a complex network of neurons and neurotransmitters to make sense of what is happening internally. This allows the brain to respond quickly to any changes or threats to the body's well-being. One of the key ways the brain monitors the internal environment is through feedback loops. These loops involve sending signals back and forth between different parts of the body and the brain to regulate functions like temperature, heart rate, and hormone levels. For example, if the body temperature rises, sensors in the skin send signals to the brain, which then triggers a response to cool the body down through sweating. In addition to feedback loops, the brain also relies on specialized structures like the hypothalamus to monitor and regulate various bodily functions. The hypothalamus acts as a control center for processes like hunger, thirst, and sleep, ensuring that the body's needs are met to maintain overall health.- The brain's ability to monitor the internal environment is essential for survival. By constantly assessing and responding to changes within the body, the brain helps to keep the body functioning optimally and in a state of equilibrium. This intricate process highlights the brain's remarkable adaptability and responsiveness to the ever-changing demands of the internal environment.
