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Article: Brain
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- Biology
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CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 The Gale Group Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Brain
The vertebrate brain is the large
anterior
portion of the
central nervous system
. The "cranial vault" of the skull encases the brain in most vertebrates. In invertebrates, the enlarged and specialized anterior ganglion of the central nervous system is often referred to as a brain, although not all scientists regard it as a true brain.
The brain receives and processes sensory information, initiates and controls movement, and executes
cognitive
(thought) processes. The human brain has an extraordinary capacity, correlated with the great enlargement
of the cerebrum, for information storage and retrieval, thought, emotions, and initiation of behavior.
Gross Anatomy
The ...