1. The Brain

2. Ways of Studying the Brain

3. Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Detects brain waves
Used to detect states of consciousness

4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
uses magnetic fields to measure density and location of brain material (tissue)
used instead of CAT sometimes to prevent radiation
detects structure, not function

5. Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
lets researchers see what part of the brain is active during different tasks (glucose)
measures brain chemicals like neurotransmitters, drugs, and oxygen

6. Functional MRI (fMRI) combines MRI and PET scan
can show brain structure and function (what is actually going on while thinking)

7. Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT)
a sophisticated X-ray
used to see the structure of the brain, not the function
used to see tumors or lesions

8. Brain Structures

9. Brainstem

10. Brainstem The oldest part and central core of the brain
It begins where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull
Is responsible for automatic survival functions

11. Medulla

12. Medulla Located at the base of the brainstem
Controls life-supporting functions like heartbeat and breathing
Damage to this area can lead to death.

13. Pons

14. Pons Bridge between brain and spinal cord
In charge of motor messages and sleep cycle

15. Reticular Formation

16. Reticular Formation
A nerve network in the brainstem that plays an important role in controlling wakefulness and arousal
Extending up and down the spinal cord into the brain
Controls an organism’s level of alertness
Damage to this area can cause a coma.

17. Thalamus

18. Thalamus Sits atop the brainstem The brain’s sensory switchboard
Directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex

19. Cerebellum

20. Cerebellum Latin for the “little brain”
Attached to the rear of the brain
Helps coordinate voluntary movements and balance
If damaged, the person could perform basic movements but would lose fine coordination skills.

21. Limbic System

22. Limbic System
A ring of structures at the border of the brainstem and cerebral cortex
Helps regulate memory, aggression, fear, hunger, and thirst
Includes the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala

24. Hypothalamus A neural structure lying below the thalamus
Regulates the body’s maintenance activities such as; hunger, thirst, body temperature, and sex drive
Helps govern the endocrine system via pituitary gland
Ventromedial & Lateral

27. Hippocampus
A neural center located in the limbic system that wraps around the back of the thalamus
Helps processing new memories for permanent storage
“If you saw a hippo on campus, you would remember it.”

29. Amygdala Two almond shaped neural cluster in the limbic system
Controls emotional responses such as fear and anger

30. New Part of Brain

31. Cerebral Cortex

32. Cerebral Cortex
The intricate fabric of interconnected neurons that form the body’s ultimate control and information processing center
All higher order thinking
Covers the brain’s cerebral hemispheres

33. Structure of the Cortex

34. Frontal Lobes Acts as a filter to limbic system (amygdala)
Controls functions such as
Planning
Personality
Judgment
Temperament
Producing speech sounds
Controlling emotions
Movement (motor cortex)

35. Phineas Gage

36. Motor Cortex
The strip of brain tissue at the rear of the frontal lobes
Controls voluntary movement
The motor cortex in the left hemisphere controls the right side of the body and visa versa.

37. Parietal Lobes
Regions available for general processing, including mathematical reasoning
Controls functions of body position
Spatial positioning
Touch
Pressure
temperature

38. Somatosensory Cortex Front of the parietal lobe
Registers and processes body touch and movement sensations

39. Temporal Lobes Includes the auditory (hearing) areas of the brain
Storing long term memory
Where sound information is processed
Located roughly above the ears

40. Occipital Lobes
The portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head
It includes the primary visual processing areas of the brain

41. Association Areas
Uncommitted areas of the brain that are involved in higher mental thinking
Associated Disorder: Aphasia

42. Broca’s Area The brain area of the left frontal lobe
Directs the muscle movements involved in speech
If damaged the person can form the ideas but cannot express them as speech

43. Wernicke’s Area A brain area of the left temporal lobe
Involved in language comprehension and expression
Our ability to understand what is said to us

44. Differences Between the Two Hemispheres

45. Corpus Callosum

46. Hemispheric Differences
Brain is divided into two hemispheres but works as a single entity
Both sides continually communicate via the corpus callosum, except in those with split brains
Communicates in a criss cross function

50. The Brain’s Hemispheres
Right Brain: spatial abilities
Our spatial ability allows us to perceive or organize things in a given space, judge distance, etc.
Left Brain: language functions
Words, letters, math, reading, writing, arithmetic

51. Brain’s Plasticity
Brain is sculpted by our genes but shaped by our experiences…the more it is used the more connections are made
Plasticity refers to the brain’s ability to modify itself after some type of injury or illness