HUMAN BODY-5

OUR BODY AND ITS FUNCTIONING-5 CRANIUM The front part of the skull above the eyes , has a strong plate of bone, because we fall down and are likely to break it. Three bones , joined together form the upper part. In a new born baby, these bones are still not fully merged and we can feel a softness there. From ear to ear, is an opening, through which we can insert a rod, through the dead skull. The central part is called the middle ear or coclea . Here is the balancing mechanism. If we continuously turn round and stop, we may lose balance and fall down. After drinking alcohol, this part may be affected. That is why drunkard has to walk on four legs. On either side of the middle ear, is a membrane which vibrate and we hear the sound waves. If this ‘tympanam’ is broken we cannot hear. To protect the membrane, there is a wax which comes out slowly. This must be removed by cotton buds. It is not advisable to pour hot oil , when the ear aches. Hydrogen peroxide solution may be dropped. THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM The brain is connected to each cell, by neurons, long nerve cells joined together, end ot end similar to the electric wires. Leprosy germs eat away these cells and the patients lose ability to feel the touch. This is how they lose the tips of fingers. The neurons cover the whole body, like the blood veins. The brain cells die in old age , some at a time, resulting in memory loss, hand shaking etc. Brain is like the Central Secretariat. In case of damage, the ‘sympathetic nervous system’ will carry on the day to day functions of the brain, to maintain the organs. The person will be in coma. ELE