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The Brain

The Brain. Module 5 Notes. Studying the brain. Case Study: Phineas Gage. Studying the brain. Scanning Techniques: For studying brain structure: Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT or CT Scan) X-Rays taken at different angles and combined into one image Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

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The Brain

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  1. The Brain Module 5 Notes

  2. Studying the brain • Case Study: Phineas Gage

  3. Studying the brain • Scanning Techniques: • For studying brain structure: • Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT or CT Scan) • X-Rays taken at different angles and combined into one image • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) • Magnetic fields and radio waves produce computer generated images that distinguish different types of soft tissue • Both tests can be used to locate tumors or brain damage following a trauma

  4. CAT Scan

  5. MRI Scan

  6. Studying the brain • Scanning Techniques • For studying brain function: • Electroencephalogram (EEG) • Records electrical activity across the brain’s surface • Useful in diagnosing sleep and seizure disorders • Position Emission Tomography (PET) scan • Visual display of brain activity • Glucose injected into brain is tracked as patient performs certain tasks

  7. EEG

  8. PET Scan

  9. Lower-Level Brain Structures

  10. Lower-level brain structures • Brainstem • Oldest part and central core of the brain • NOT connected to spinal cord! • Medulla- base of the brainstem • Controls basic life-support functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and circulation • Damage would most likely cause death • Reticular Formation- nerve network controlling wakefulness and arousal • Damage would cause a coma

  11. Lower-Level Brain Structures • Thalamus • Directs messages to the sensory receiving areas of the brain for processing

  12. Lower-Level Brain Structures

  13. Lower-Level Brain Structures • Cerebellum • Controls voluntary movements and balance • Also plays a role in emotions, hearing, and touch • Helps control muscle memory

  14. Lower-Level Brain Structures • The Limbic System • “Border” between brainstem (old) and cortex (new) • Regulates memory, fear, aggression, hunger, and thirst

  15. Lower-Level Brain Structures • Hypothalamus • Regulates many of the body’s maintenance functions such as hunger, thirst, “fight-or-flight”, and body temp by controlling the autonomic nervous system • Plays a role in experiencing emotions, pleasure, and sexual function

  16. Lower-Level Brain Structures • Hippocampus • Helps process new memories for permanent storage • Amygdala • Controls many emotional responses, especially fear and anger

  17. Cerebral Cortex • Covers the brain’s lower-level structures • Wrinkles allow for more brain tissue to be packed into a confined space • Contains 20-23 BILLION neurons

  18. Cerebral Cortex • Longitudinal fissure • Divides cerebral cortex into two hemispheres • Corpus Callosum • Connects the hemispheres and allows them to communicate with each other

  19. Cerebral Cortex • Frontal Lobes • Enable thinking abilities such as judgment and planning • Influenced by limbic system- emotions influence decision making • Motor Cortex • Controls voluntary movements of your body

  20. Frontal lobotomy

  21. Cerebral Cortex • Parietal Lobes • Process information such as mathematical reasoning • Somatosensory Cortex • Registers body senses (stubbed toe, for example)

  22. Cerebral Cortex • Occipital lobes • Visual processing areas • Temporal lobes • Sound processing areas

  23. Cerebral Cortex • Plasticity • Brain’s ability to change after damage or experience

  24. Differences between Hemispheres • While both sides of your brain contain similar functions, the brain does have differences between the hemispheres • Movement is cross controlled- in other words, movements of your left side are controlled by the right side of your brain • Language is mostly controlled by your left hemisphere • Broca’s Area- directs movements involved in speech • Wernicke’s Area- receptive language (understanding what is said) • Spatial abilities are controlled by right hemisphere

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