Encefalo

Encefalo (encéfalo) refers to the brain, the central organ of the vertebrate nervous system. It acts as the primary processing center for sensory information, as well as the source of motor commands and higher cognitive functions. In humans, the encefalo occupies the cranial cavity and works in concert with the spinal cord as the core of the central nervous system.

Anatomy: The encefalo is typically divided into forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain. The forebrain includes the telencephalon (cerebral hemispheres, cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, limbic structures) and the diencephalon (thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus). The midbrain contains core sensory and motor pathways. The hindbrain comprises the metencephalon (cerebellum and pons) and the myelencephalon (medulla oblongata). The brainstem connects the encefalo to the spinal cord and regulates essential life functions. The cerebrum is the largest part, responsible for perception, thought, and voluntary movement; the cerebellum coordinates balance and precision; the brainstem handles basic autonomic functions and arousal.

Development: During embryonic development, the encefalo originates from the neural tube's anterior region. Primary vesicles (prosencephalon, mesencephalon, rhombencephalon) give rise to secondary vesicles: telencephalon and diencephalon (from prosencephalon); mesencephalon remains undivided; metencephalon and myelencephalon (from rhombencephalon).

Function and clinical aspects: Functions include integration of sensory input, regulation of movement, memory, language, emotion, and homeostasis via the hypothalamus; consciousness and wakefulness; autonomic control via the brainstem. Clinically, damage can cause focal or widespread deficits; imaging techniques like MRI and CT aid diagnosis; disorders include stroke, epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, and traumatic injuries.