Kopf
The head is the uppermost part of the human body and lies directly on the neck or is also connected to it. The head is responsible for numerous functions and tasks, is the center of important sensory organs and at the same time represents a very large part of the central nervous system .
Definition
Caput – Latin for head – is the uppermost area or the uppermost part of the human body and also the foremost area in animals. The head is made up of numerous bones and various organs.
The most important function that the head entails is protection from any external influences and also access to the respiratory and digestive tracts. For example, food intake is carried out and essential bodily functions are coordinated at the same time. The brain , the nose , the eyes and the ears are located in or on the head .
The brain is responsible for the stimuli of the sensory organs and processes them in the further course. The front part of the head is formed by the face . The rear and upper area is composed of hair . The outer part of the head is completely covered with skin , which is also a sensory organ.
Anatomy
The doctor divides the head into different regions. These include the cheek, nose, chin, orbit , mouth , zygomatic and ear salivary gland region . The outer portion of the head is covered by hair and skin, although males also have facial hair.
The skull itself is a bony framework, which subsequently forms a cavity. The skull is made up of 22 bones and is connected to one another except for the lower jaw. The brain and other sensory organs are protected by the ossification. The head itself sits directly on the cervical spine and is subsequently movable.
The face is formed by the front part of the head; the shape of the skull plays an important role, which is also responsible for the eyes, the nose and the mouth. On the side is the ear, which consists of three parts (the outer, inner and middle part). In addition to the oral cavity, there is also the cranial cavity and other cavities ( paranasal , eye and nasal cavities).
Function
Each head looks different, but always fulfills the same function. It protects important organs and ensures that the entire body can be controlled. In the cranial cavity is the brain, which is a large part of the central nervous system. In the brain, for example, complex bodily functions are coordinated and sensory impressions are also processed. In the head itself are the sensory organs of the ears, tongue, eyes, nose and skin.
If information – in the form of nerves – reaches the brain, it processes the stimuli and ensures conscious perception. This creates emotions, drives and also the character of the person.
The head is also the direct access point for the digestive tract . This enables liquid and food intake. This intake subsequently ensures that important nutrients are supplied, which are essential for human health and life. The mouth is not only responsible for taking in food, but also for speaking and breathing.
Diseases
- brain contusion
All areas of the head can be affected by diseases. Not only the bones, even the brain and the sensory organs are not protected against any diseases. Chronic, acute and, of course, congenital diseases can occur in the head area.
Infections , inflammations or even tumor formation can occur. These diseases can affect the tissue, the vessels or directly the bones and nerve cells.
Severe headaches can be caused by high blood pressure . If there are disturbances in the circulatory regulation, balance organs are sometimes diseased, which can cause dizziness, for example.
In many cases, strokes can cause hemifacial paralysis, sometimes making it difficult to breathe or eat. Whole sides of the body can often be affected by the paralysis.
Neurodegenerative diseases – such as Alzheimer’s disease – cause brain degradation and at the same time limit the cognitive performance of those affected. Epilepsy or multiple sclerosis, other diseases that affect the brain, often reduce the quality of life as a result.
Serious head injuries are often caused by accidents. Occasionally minor concussions or even brain contusions can occur. Of course, a fracture of the skull is also possible.
The eyes are not protected from diseases either; there are numerous visual disorders that do pose a danger to the sense organ (e.g. glaucoma ).
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.