The way our brain is built has a big impact on how we act and feel every day. Let’s break it down into the main parts of the brain and what each does:

1. Cerebral Cortex:

   • This part of the brain helps us with tough thinking tasks like making decisions, solving problems, and managing our emotions.
   • The part called the prefrontal cortex is especially important for these complex tasks.

2. Limbic System:

   • This system includes important areas like the amygdala and hippocampus, which help with feelings and memories.
   • The amygdala is responsible for quick emotional reactions, while the hippocampus helps us remember new information.

3. Brainstem:

   • The brainstem controls basic functions we need to stay alive, such as our heart rate and breathing.
   • It also affects our behavior by managing how our body feels.

4. Neurotransmitters:

   • These are special chemicals in our brain, like serotonin and dopamine, that affect how we feel and behave.
   • For instance, about 90% of serotonin is made in our gut, which can influence things like anxiety and mood.

There are important stats that show how our brain and these chemicals affect us:

• Research suggests that people with a smaller prefrontal cortex might act more impulsively.
• Problems with dopamine levels are linked to issues like depression, which affects about 264 million people around the world.

By understanding how these brain parts and chemicals work, we can see how they shape our actions and feelings in everyday life.