1. The Brain
Module 8

2. Lower-Level Brain Structures

3. The Lower Brain Regulates basic functions such as breathing.
Cerebral cortex covers the lower brain like bark. (Cortex means “bark”)

4. The Brainstem
The oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull.
The brainstem is responsible for automatic survival function.
Medulla: the base of the brainstem; controls life- support functions like heartbeat, circulation, swallowing and breathing.
Reticular Formation: a nerve network in the brainstem that plays an important role in controlling wakefulness and arousal.

6. Thalamus
The brain’s sensory switchboard, located on top of the brainstem
It directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex

7. The Cerebellum
The “little brain” attached to the rear of the brainstem.
It helps coordinate voluntary movements and balance
Memories for knowing how to use your body for things like walking or playing the guitar.

9. The Limbic System
A ring of structures at of the border of the brain and the cerebral cortex.
It helps regulate important functions such as memory, fear, aggression, hunger, and thirst.

11. Hypothalamus
Part of the lower brain that regulates basic needs and emotions.
Needs:
Hunger & thirst
“Fight of flight” reaction to stress
Body temperature
Emotions:
Pleasure
Fear
Rage
Sexuality

12. Amygdula: two almond-shaped neural clusters in the limbic system that are linked to emotion
Fear
Anger
Aggression
Hippocmpus: A neural center located in the limbic system; it helps process new memories for permanent storage.

13. The Cerebral Cortex
The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells that form the cerebral hemispheres; the body’s ultimate control and information-processing center.

14. Cerebral Cortex The outer most layer of the brain
Controls high level mental processes such as thought
Size: Large bath towel
Trillions of computers do not equal our brain power

16. Longitudinal Fissure
The long crack running all the way from the front to the back of the cerebral cortex, separating the left and right hemispheres.

17. Hemispheres One half of the cerebral cortex
Each half controls the opposite side of the body
Fissure: a depression marking off an area of the cerebral cortex
Corpus Callosum: a large bundle of nerve fibers that transfer information from one half of the cerebral cortex to the other
Several million nerve fibers

18. The Lobes Major divisions of the cerebral cortex
Frontal Lobe: Contains the motor cortex, prefrontal area, and frontal association area.
Involved in making plans and judgments
Motor Cortex: Controls all bodily movements. (Motor functions)
Parietal Lobe: Contains the sensory cortex and general association areas used for processing information.
Somatosensory Cortex: Registers and provides all sensation.

20. Frontal Lobe Functions
“see” or be aware of ourselves when we remember things we have done.
Coming up with strategies or plans of action
Makes sense of our environment

21. Frontal Lobe
Prefrontal Area: part of the frontal lobe that enables us to re-experience personal past events
Frontal Association Area: part of the frontal lobe that engages in elaborate associations or mental connections.
Plays an important part in integrating personality and in forming complex thoughts.

22. The Lobes
Occipital Lobe: Division of the cerebral cortex that interprets visual information. (back of the brain)
Temporal Lobe: Division of the cerebral cortex responsible for hearing and some speech functions.

23. Hemispheric Differences

24. Hemispheres and Handiness
Dominance: Control either the right or left hemisphere of the cerebral cortex is dominate in each individual; hence, one of them is preferred and controls the majority of actions performed
Small fine motor movements

25. Hemispheres Left Hemisphere Right Hemisphere Speech Language Logic
Writing
Right Hemisphere
Spatial Reasoning
Art
Music
Emotions
Mathematical reasoning

27. Language
Broca’s Area: a brain area of the frontal lobe, usually in the left hemisphere, that directs the muscle movements involved in speech.
Wernicke’s Area: a brain area involved in language comprehension and expression; usually in the left temporal lobe.

29. Plasticity
The brain’s capacity for modification, as evident in brain reorganization following damage.

30. Puzzles
NOON GOOD
HE’S HIMSELF
II II
ooo ooo

31. Answers
Good after noon
He’s beside himself
Circles under the eyes

32. Why are some people better than others at solving these kinds of puzzles?
Thicker and more efficient corpus callosum.
One hemisphere does not dominate over the other.