Chapter 2: Cognitive Neuroscience

Some Questions of Interest What are the fundamental structures and processes of the human brain? How do researchers study the major structures and processes of the brain? What have researchers found as a result of studying the brain?

Anatomy of the Brain

Anatomy of the Brain Forebrain Cerebral cortex Basal ganglia Motor movement Limbic system

Anatomy of the Limbic System Septum & Amygdala Involved in anger, aggression, fear Hippocampus memories Thalamus Relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex Hypothalamus 4 F’s Korsakoff's syndrome presents symptoms of severe anterograde and retrograde amnesia, as well as confabulation.

Midbrain Helps to control eye movement and coordination Reticular activating system Controls respiration, cardiovascular function, digestion, alertness, and sleep Brain stem Vital in basic attention, arousal, and consciousness

Hindbrain Medulla Oblongata Pons Cerebellum Breathing, swallowing, and digestion Pons Relay station Cerebellum Motor coordination, posture, and maintaining balance

Lobes of the Cerebral Cortex Lobes of the Cerebral Cortex

Cerebral Cortex Contralaterality Corpus Callosum Neural fibers connecting left and right lobes Allows communication between right and left side

Cerebral Cortex: localization and specialization

Hemispheric Activity Interferes With Ability to Work a Counter Demo from activiities

Specialization of Left Hemisphere Wernicke’s area vs. Broca’s area

Split-Brain Demonstration Split-brain patients are asked to stare at the black dot in the middle of the screen. Two different images are displayed simultaneously to each side of the brain. Information about the wrench is on the left side, so would be processed by the right side of the brain which controls the left hand, thus a split-brain patient would point to a wrench. The apple is on the right side and so would be processed by the left side of the brain which controls language so the patient will say apple. Sperry (1960-1998) First to study patients with a split corpus callosum Two lobes function independently Gazzaniga (1980s-current) Two lobes function complementarily What would a split-brain patient say they saw? What would a split-brain patient point to with their left hand?

Brain Disorders Capgrass syndrome Phantom limb Synesthesia http://www.ted.com/talks/vilayanur_ramachandran_on_your_mind.html

Structure of a Neuron The shape of a neuron is determined by its function. Each neuron, however, has the same structure: soma, dendrites, an axon, and terminal buttons. Use image to discuss neuronal communication.

Neurotransmitters Chemical messengers Acetylcholine = associated with Alzheimer’s disease Dopamine = associated with schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease Serotonin = associated with anorexia

Group Reaction Time and Neural Speed

Viewing Structures and Functions of the Brain

Animal Studies Single-cell recordings Selective lesioning Genetic knockout procedures Create animals that lack certain kinds of cells or receptors in the brain Describe the single neuron technique using image and corresponding action potentials such as the example of In Vivo research. Single neuron and the corresponding action potentials image created and used with permission by: Patricio O'Donnell, MD, PhD Professor of Neuropharmacology & Neuroscience Albany Medical College 47 New Scotland Ave. Albany, NY 12208 http://www.odonnell-lab.net/links.htm

Human Studies Electrical recordings Event-related potential (ERP) At left, some data collected from adult subjects for a collaborative project between myself and Dr. Meg Moulson highlighting typical "Face-sensitive" components of the ERP signal at the "N170.” Balas Lab NDSU

Human Studies Static imaging techniques Angiogram CT scan; MRI scan

Metabolic Imaging Positron emission tomography (PET) Radioactive material is injected or inhaled Participant is then scanned to produce an image of the brain’s activity INSERT FIG 2.10 (d)

Metabolic Imaging Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) Takes a series of images of the brain in quick succession Brain areas with more blood flow have been shown to have better visibility No X-rays or radioactive material is used. Provides detailed view of the brain in different dimensions.

Metabolic Imaging Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) Temporarily disrupt functioning of a particular brain area An electrical current passes through a coil on person’s head, generating a magnetic field

Metabolic Imaging (MEG) Magnetoencephalography Measures activity of the brain from outside the head by picking up magnetic fields emitted by changes in brain activity

Brain Disorders Stroke Brain tumor Head injuries http://www.ted.com/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight.html