The brain is the control centre of your body. It controls how you think, feel, communicate and move. Knowing how your brain works can help you understand your stroke.
Brain cells
The brain is full of specialized cells called neurons. These neurons make the brain work. To work properly — and even to survive — they need to be fed by a constant supply of blood.
To survive vessels need to be fed by a constant supply of blood.
Blood vessels of the brain
Arteries and veins are types of blood vessels in your body. Arteries carry blood, rich in oxygen and nutrients, to your organs. Veins carry waste products away from your organs. Cerebral arteries are the arteries of the brain. Normal brain function needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients.
When a stroke happens, the blood flow is disrupted. Some brain cells do not get the oxygen and nutrients they need. When the cells die, that area of the brain cannot function as it did before.
Hemispheres
The brain is divided into two parts called hemispheres, the right and the left. The right hemisphere of your brain controls the left side of your body. The left hemisphere of your brain controls the right side of your body. Some functions are controlled by both. This picture shows the functions of the two hemispheres of the brain.
Regions of the brain and what they control
Each hemisphere is divided into six regions or lobes that control different functions. This picture shows the 6 regions and what they control.
