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If the human brain were so simple that we could understand it, we would be so simple that we couldn’t…. Google Image Result for http://www.uwm.edu/~tking/b109.gif. General Anatomy. Encased in meninges Tough, fibrous protective covering Ventricles & central canal
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If the human brain were so simple that we could understand it, we would be so simple that we couldn’t…..
General Anatomy • Encased in meninges • Tough, fibrous protective covering • Ventricles & central canal • Cavities in brain & spinal cord • Contain cerebrospinal fluid to protect, cushion, & nourish brain & spinal cord
Brain Development & Evolution • Develops from anterior bulges of early nerve cord • Hindbrain contains more primitive brain(brainstem), forebrain contains more advanced brain (cerebrum) • Cerebrum will form left & right hemispheres • Major regions present in humans at 1 month
Brainstem • General function-homeostasis (involuntary functions), coordination, transmit info between “higher” brain& spinal cord • 4 regions: • Medulla oblongata & pons-breathing, heart rate, swallowing, digestion, etc • Midbrain-receives & processes sensory info, esp. auditory & visual • Cerebellum-large scale body movement, balance, position of body parts, hand-eye coordination • Reticular formation-regulates sleep & arousal • Filtering system
Thalamus • Receives majority of sensory info, relays to proper part of cerebrum • Relays signals between cerebrum & motor neurons • Regulates emotion • Hypothalamus • Homeostatic regulation • Controls pituitary gland which controls hunger, thirst, temp., fight or flight • Circadian rhythms, rage, pleasure • Both are a part of limbic system
cerebrum • Most highly developed part of brain • Responsible for cognitive functions • Reasoning, learning, self-awareness • Convolutions increase surface area-more is better! • Right & left hemispheres • Connected by corpus callosum
Left Brain Speech Language comprehension Calculations Logical thought Problem solving Right Brain Perceptual & spatial capabilities Recognition of objects & routes Musical/artistic ability Emotions creativity Lateralization of Function right brain controls left side of body & vice versa
Limbic System • Seat of emotions • Contains centers for memory • Hippocampus & amygdala