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The Brain

The Brain. Module 8. Lower-Level Brain Structures. The Lower Brain. Regulates basic functions such as breathing. Cerebral cortex covers the lower brain like bark. (Cortex means “bark”). The Brainstem.

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The Brain

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  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.

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

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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

  9. 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.

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

  11. 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

  12. 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.

  13. 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

  14. 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.

  15. 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

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. Hemispheric Differences

  19. 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

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

  21. 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.

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

  23. Puzzles • NOON GOOD • HE’S HIMSELF • II II ooo ooo

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

  25. 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.

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