Brain Part 3

The Thalamus is responsible for sensory processing and movement and is the relay station for all sensory impulses except for the olfaction, the sense of smell. The thalamus also receives sensory information and then relays this information to the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex also sends information to the thalamus, which then is transmitted into other areas of the brain and spinal cord.

The Limbic system is responsible for the control of ones emotions that include aggression, fear, hunger, and regulation of sexual drive and behavior. The limbic system is a group of nuclei and fiber tracks that are located in various parts of the cerebral cortex, the thalamus, and the hypothalamus. The Lumbar system also includes the amygdale, the hippocampus (important for memory), mammillary bodies, and the cingulated gyrus.

The Amygdale are a pair of almond shaped neurons located deep inside the temporal lobes of the brain. The amygdale is vital to the ability to process memory and emotional reactions.

The Mammillary Bodies are small, round in shape, and are located on the undersurface of the brain, these mammillary bodies form a portion of the limbic system and contain two groups of nuclei. The medial mammillary nuclei, and the lateral mnmmillary nuclei. The mammillary bodies act as a relay for impulse signals that travel through the brain, the thalamus, and on to the nervous system and spinal cord. The mammillary bodies also play a critical role in the development and retention/recalling of memory and sensory memory movements.

The Cingulated Gyrus wraps around the corpus callosum and is located above the cingulate sulcus. The coral/wrap around part of the cingulate gyrus is referred to as the cingulate cortex. The cingulate gyrus receives signals from the anterior nucleus, which is a portion of the thalamus. It also receives signals from the somatosensory areas of the cerebral cortex. The cingulated gyrus then projects/ sends these signals/impulses to the entorhinal cortex via/through the cingulum. The cingulated gyrus functions as an integral part of the limbic system, which is involved with emotion formation and processing, learning, and memory. These specific areas are important for controlling the emotional responses in any given situation. It is well to note that the Hippocampus is responsible for learning and memory and it makes up only one part of the limbic system.

The Reticular Formation is responsible for the ability to awakening from sleep and to maintain consciousness. It is located in various portions of the spinal cord, the medulla, pons, midbrain, and in the hypothalamus.

The Midbrain is responsible for providing visual reflexes, body movement, eye movement, and is the relay center for auditory/hearing information and are referred to as the corpora quadrigemina. There are two pairs of rounded knobs on the surface of the midbrain these rounded knobs are the corpora quadrigemina, and they contain the centers for certain visual reflexes such as movement in the eyes to be able to view an item as the head rotates/turns. It also contains the hearing reflex center that operates the head in movement towards a sound so that the sound can be picked up and heard better. The midbrain is made up of ascending and descending neuron fiber tracks referred to as cerebral peduncles, and the midbrain is the origin of two cranial nerves, the III cranial nerve, the oculomotor and the IV crainia nerve the trochlear.

The midbrain also includes the superior and inferior colliculi and the red nucleus. The superior colliculls are located directly below the thalamus and surround the pineal gland. The superior colliculus is indeed involved in the placement of the eye when there are slight adjustments of eye movement and eye-head coordination. The superior colliculus revives visual and auditory impulses/signals in its superficial layers, its outer layers. In the deeper layers of the superior colliculus it is connected and intertwined with the sensorimotor fibers of the brain. Working as a healthy body and as a whole this segment is responsible for the ability of the head and eyes to turn toward something seen or heard.

The Inferior Colliculi are located next to the superior colliculus located right above the trochlear nerve. The inferior colliculus is the primary midbrain of the auditory pathway. It receives impulse signals from several different brain steam nuclei as well as signals from the auditory cortex.

The Red Nucleus is located inside the rostral midbrain and is involved in the body’s motor coordination. In the human body this motor control is mainly centralized and responsible for the controls and movement capabilities of some of the lower arm and hand movement but its main function is to provide movement control to the upper arms and to the shoulders. It is well to point out that in infancy when a child starts to crawl; this motor function is regulated and controlled by the red nucleus. The red nucleus receives thousands of sensory pulses/signals from the cerebellum and from the body’s motor cortex. Once these signals are received the red nucleus then processes and transmits these signals/commands down and out through the spinal cord.

Now that we have a general overview of the cranial nerves we can point out a few important elements that are worth noting. These elements will lead us in a general direction and help us form our ability to understand dysfunction that may in many cases manifest itself in the forms of disabilities. The Hiatal Hernia Syndrome is the pinching of the (X) Vagus nerve this pinching restricts the flow of cerebrospinal fluid causing varing degrees of dysfunction. The pinching of this nerve causes the Vagus Nerve Imbalance (VNI). This imbalance usually causes hyperexcitability, however there have been cases where decreases in energy flow have occurred. From this imbalance and enhanced state of excitability any given number of organs can begin to tighten/wind up and malfunction. The diaphragm will be directly affected and normal breathing patterns no longer occur. Children with learning disabilities and behavioral disorders, such as Attention Deficit Disorder and Dyslexia almost always have this imbalance. In this case the pinched nerve causes a winding tension that aggravates the body and causes other neurological impulse/information systems to likewise tighten up/tense up, to the point that the individual is wound so tight that you think they were about to break. To unwind the tension in these types of cases gentle massaging of the cranium and adjustments in the spinal column will work wonders, also endonasal/nasal specific will dramatically release this tension and will help unwind and lessen the tension that these individuals are in. Over time as the body unwinds regular breathing patterns will return, directly affecting the functional capabilities of the cranial nerves and the spinal nerves. The results are indeed effective, the individual/child will be able to concentrate better, hold attention, be able to sit for longer periods of time, and their mental reasoning will be able to grow. It is very important to work towards the effects of unwinding the tension in the individual before one is able to help and further enhance their overall development.

The (V) cranial nerve, the Trigeminal Nerve, starts at the base and travels along the front part of the skull as well as it travels along the ear. It forms the ganglion and then separates into three divisions. The ophthalmic division, which supplies cerebrospinal fluid to most of the scalp, upper eyelid, cornea, and to the tear glands. The maxillary division, which supplies cerebrospinal fluid to the cheek and to the upper jaw, and the mandibular division, which supplies cerebrospinal fluid to the tongue, the lower jaw, and to the corresponding jaw muscles. These three branches then separate off into multiple branches or into multiple fibers.

Anesthesia Doloras is when the nerve fibers that provide the ability to touch and feel are damaged, pinched off, and result in lessened sensory feeling or totally eliminated/paralyzed. This happens in the sensory nerve fiber that allows the sense of touch. However the pain fibers and neurons remain intact. This then leaves the individual with the sensation of numb pain.

Neuropathic Pain is caused by multiple types of strain and damage upon the nervous system, including brain trauma, traumatic brain injuries, inflammation, and exerted pressure that results in intense compression or crushing. Out of these compressions comes the term of trigeminal neuralgia, which is the swelling or enlarging of the blood vessels pushing against any given nerve. We see this effect in stress related conditions such as neck pain, headache, and other various traumas that cause blood to flow quickly to a damaged area. Migraines are also caused by the release of biochemical substance referred to as serotonin which is housed and stored within the blood platelets. The blood vessels narrow when serotonin is released; when the kidneys absorb this fluid into their system the level needed to support optimum brain function is depleted. This causes and results in a strain on the amount of serotonin in the brain, thus causing the blood vessels to expand. This expansion in the blood vessels then puts direct force on the nerve fibers; the result is the formation and actuality of headaches, and migraines. Over 90% of the blood supply that is used to stimulate the brain is drained through our major blood vessels that pass through the jugular, the space between the temporal and occipital cranial plates. Likewise there are three cranial nerves that also pass through the jugular. They are, (IX) the glossopharyngeal, which is responsible for 1/3rd of the taste in the tongue, responsible for processing sensory information from the tongue, the tonsils, and from the pharynx. It also controls some muscles used in swallowing. (X) the vagus, which is responsible for motor functions and the automatic functions of the viscera, which include the heart rate, various glands, and digestion and the (XI) spinal accessory, which is responsible for the control of muscles that are used during head movement.

At this point it is worth while to mention that the vagus nerve also goes on to provide function and control to the sensations, activities and function of many of the bodies organs and movements. Some of them include breathing, respiratory function, circulation, and digestion. When the blood vessels that pass through the jugular are agitated it pressurizes the nerves that also pass through the jugular, when this happens dysfunction sets in The breathing pattern is so important to point out here, do to the fact that it is absolutely critical to have optimum respiratory function in order to maintain homeostasis and equality, stimulation, and proper nerve and neuron/fiber function throughout the body. In short, the lack of optimum breathing leads to lessened respiratory patterns, which then leads to lessened articulation in the vomer bone and directly affects the sphenoid cranial plate. When this happens the master gland decreases its pulsation of cerebrospinal fluid, due to the decrease rocking movement in the vomer bone. This decrease in respiratory function then causes the secretion of the master gland, the cerebrospinal fluid to decrease in rotation and proper flow throughout the entire nervous system, which in turn decreases the neuron/fiber ability to properly function. Out of this, this author knows of two things that can set in. The body starts to tighten/wind up, creating unnecessary tension, anxiety, and hypertension. The second is that dysfunctions start to work against the normal flow and development of the body, causing cramps, arthritis, and paralysis, loss of feeling, decreased motor skills, and loss of optimum function in the bodily organs, such as the kidneys, the bladder, and decreased feeling in the bowels or in the colan.

A crucial and essential part of the nervous system is the neurotransmitters, which are chemically based and allow the nerves to send and receive electronic pulse signals amongst themselves. The neurotransmitters flow across the gaps between adjacent cranial nerves as well as flow throughout the cerebrospinal fluid. This then allows those nerves and neurons/fibers in the farthest corners of the spinal column the ability to communicate with one another.

We know that the brain is like a sponge, soaking up information and also soaking up functioning materials such as the blood and various chemicals needed to stimulate the brain and the brains growth. Under normal conditions the brain expands and contracts in its own rhythmic pattern in relation to the inner energy that is housed within our being. This expansion and contraction are referred to rhythmic cycles that occur every 10 to 14 time a minute, it can be argued that the rhythmic patterns can fluctuate or speed up or have more cycles when the brain is highly active. Such as in hypertension/erotic behavior caused by irregular cycle flow, which is excessive expanding and contracting is actually caused by improper respiratory patterns. The motion of the brain in these recurring cycle patterns, have been observed many times by neurosurgeons. In the process of expansion and contraction, cerebrospinal fluid is taken in through the cavities of the brain and then squeezed out into the spinal column. This then provides a constant fluctuation and flow of cerebrospinal fluid throughout the brain and spinal column. There are roughly only 5 ounces of cerebrospinal fluid, which is a clear blood type liquid that serves to protect, nourish, suspend, and lubricate the nervous system. The cerebrospinal fluid also carries away wastes from the cells in the central nervous system. Cerebrospinal fluid provides 60% of the needed nourishment for the spinal nerves in the lower back alone. In short the impulses from the brain the expanding and contracting, the pumping of blood, body movement, and the repertory breathing pattern all help stimulate and transmit/carry the cerebrospinal fluid to and through the joint/membranes to various parts of the body.
Interference with the natural flow of cerebrospinal fluid is the main cause for dysfunction in the human body. Every function of our bodies depends on some neurological impulse that is generated within the brain. When there is no impulse created or if the impulse is weak then the spinal column has little to nothing to go on, and signals needed to support the organ functions of the body are hindered or damaged. A couple of elements that can affect this balance and optimum function occur in brain injuries such as in brain swelling. Brain swelling can occur in many forms, including adverse impact from an outside force, such as falling down the stairs, or getting hit in the head. Brain swelling is also caused by fever, and chemical imbalance, that result in expanded blood vessels. Also the key relation to the brain not functioning properly, in many if not all cases, is the imbalance of the head in relation to the spinal cord, as well tied to this is the relation of the cranial plates. If the cranial plates are compressed, locked, or fused the brain still try’s to expand and contract. In doing so the brain keeps pushing into locked cranial plates unable to fully expand and this puts direct pressure not only on the blood vessels but more so on the nerves that are housed within the brain. The effect is nothing short than a chain reaction throughout the body. Because of the locked or compressed cranial plates the brain presses on the nerves and likewise is unable to properly and adoquately feed the nervous system with cerebrospinal fluid. The end result is complete dysfunction and in server cases the shutting down of bodily functions, or the paralysis of these functions, including complete or partial paralysis of feeling, and limb movement, due to the drying out of pinched nerves. We see these symptoms most noticeably observed in individuals and children with cerebral palsy.

Cranial subluxation occurs when one or more of the 8 cranial plates becomes locked, stuck, compressed, or fused with another cranial plate. Subluxation can occur in and on any given segment along the cranial faults, where the joints /membrane are. The resulting lockups restrict the cycle function of the brain and puts pressure on the brain as well as the brainstem. There are many ways that the cranial plates can become locked or stuck together and are usually caused by head injuries. Such as Chronic Regional Encephalitis, which is the swelling of various regions in the brain, birth trauma, football impacts, auto accidents, falls from just about anything, like falling off a horse, a bike or falling down a set of stairs, lack of oxygen, an elevation in blood pressure, and inflamed or damaged brain tissue. Even just a regular old fall could jar the spine enough to offset the brainstem and cause subluxation in various regions of the cranial plates. In this instance the tension would be most noticeable/predominant in the occipital, where the occipital membrane/joints connect with the parietal cranial plate and where the occipital membrane/joints connect with the sphenoid. The resulting symptom feels like a light pressure has been placed upon that region of the head making it feel heavier than the rest of the head. If not corrected and treated it will in time usually within a few months start to manifest itself as joint dysfunction and nervous dysfunction in other parts of not only the spine but also in other parts of the body. In this authors case this was noticeable in the paralysis and re-stiffening of the legs as well as lessened feeling capabilities when it was time to make a bowel movement.

Neurotoxins such as chemical, common house hold cleaners, medical approved drugs, other various drugs, uppers, snuffers, and various metals, solvents, dental fillings, food additives, and perfumes can also effect the function of proper brain cycles. Because of this it is strongly recommended to use plenty of fresh or circulating air when working with neurotoxins. Infections also can cause disruptions in proper respiratory and brain cycle patterns. The common cold is one of the biggest factors due to the increased body temperature or the lack there of and the lack of proper breathing respiratory function. Bacterial viruses such as molds and yeast also contribute to dysfunction and improper pulsating cycles of the brain.

Cranial and Spinal sacral nerves are the primary automatic controls that operate all of the bodies sense, the movement of its organs, and the secretion of the glands. The nervous system, the peripheral nerves, and the spinal column are the master coordination and the main control center for the body. Sometimes there may be added stress in any given part of the body, this then causes the neurons/fibers to either swell, or become pinched. There may even be instances where the neurons/fibers are dried out do to subdexation in the cranium level, thus interfering with the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. The lack of this fluid then deprives the nervous system of its required nutrients, and thus alters the function of the nervous system and in tern alters the function of the entire body, and many times manifests itself in reduced mobility and in the form of aches and pain. The ability for the nervous system to function properly is determined by the flow of not only blood but also the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. The locking or compression, extra strain on a joint/membrane results in compression and extra pressure upon the nerve fiber. This pressure then causes restraint and interference with the normal transfer of not only information to and from various parts of the body through the neuron fibers but also decreases the cerebrospinal fluid that lubricates and feeds these fibers. This nerve interference causes a breakdown in the communication link between the brain and the ending desired location, such as the liver, pancreas, intestines, lungs, eyes, ears, or muscles that control mobility just to name a few. These nerve pressures are referred to as subdexations and the causes of the nerve pressure is usually do to misaligned bones or stuck joints/membranes in various locations throughout the cranial plates and spinal column. These subluxations are the reasons for loss of normal joint movement, because interference in nerve and neuron/fiber signals and in many cases can be corrected with gentle therapeutic chiropractic adjustments, applied controlled force to a specific area of the body that allows the joint to unlock, usually with a popping sound. This restores normal motion, in a locked vertebrae, and also releases the built up tension that was interfering with proper bodily function, such as in bladder control. This applied controlled force is non surgical and even though recovery time varies from person to person the results are long lasting, many times permanent and in many cases recovery is instant. [7, 13, 29]