Healthy Brain

How does your brain work?

Listen to Dr. Jennifer Yao talk about how the brain works.

Part 1: In the first video we learn about the 2 hemispheres of the brain as well as the frontal and parietal lobes.   

Part 2: The second video explains the function of the temporal and occipital lobe and the cerebellum and brainstem.

Part 3: In the third video Dr Yao talks about the ventricles, the cerebral spinal fluid and the oxygen needed for the brain to function.

Dr. Jennifer Yao, MD, FRCPC

Dr. Jennifer Yao graduated from UBC Medical School in 1997 and completed her specialist training in 2002 with the UBC Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She is a UBC Clinical Assistant Professor and works on the Acquired Brain Injury Program and the Adolescent Young Adult Program at GF Strong Rehab Centre. Dr. Yao also serves as a consulting physiatrist at Vancouver Hospital.

Dr. Yao has a strong interest in medical education and is currently pursuing a Masters in Medical Education through the University of Dundee. Her clinical and research interests include stroke and brain injury rehabilitation and cancer rehabilitation. She is an active member of the Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

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Do you want to learn more about the brain?

Here are some of the best online resources about the brain and injury:

Brain Tour from the Alzheimer’s Society website - Provides a good overview of brain anatomy and function right down to blood vessels, nerve cells, synapses and electrical charges.  Did you know that “our thoughts and memories move through an individual nerve cell as a tiny electrical charge”?

The Center for Neuro Skills: Traumatic Brain Injury Resource Guide - Provides useful information in the sections: Brain Injury, Resources (pharmacology guide, glossary), and News and Events.

Traumatic Brain Injury - The Journey Home - Click on “Interactive Brain” to explore the brain anatomy and learn what the different parts of the brain do. Audio and video options are available.

Neuroscience for Kids (for kids large and small) – Discover the world of the brain and use the experiments, activities and games to learn about the nervous system.