Exploring in Modules, Module 4

Module 4The Brain

Nervous System•

Nervous System– The communication

system for the body

– Two main divisions:• Central nervous system

(CNS) the brain and the spinal cord. 1,400 grams weighs the human adult brain

• Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

Peripheral

nervous system (PNS)

• Two parts:– Somatic: voluntary activities– Autonomic: involuntary

• Sympathetic – for emergencies

• Parasympathetic – to calm the body; homeostasis

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

The Brain

Not the Mind…but never “never mind the mind”.

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

Interesting Points

• 1/45th of our weight is brain.

• Elephants: 1/600th

• Marmosets: 1/25th

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

How do we know of the brain’s functions and parts?

• Clinical observation – damaged parts.

• Manipulate the brain – electrically, chemically, or magnetically stimulate or sedate.

• EEG – electroencephlogram

• CT scan – computed tomography

• PET scan – positron emission tomography

• MRI – magnetic resonance imagingExploring in Modules, Module 4

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

Lower - Level Brain Structures

• The Brainstem

• The Thalamus

• The Cerebellum

• The Limbic System– The Amygdala– The Hypothalamus

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

The Brainstem and Thalamus

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

The Limbic System

Exploring in Modules, Module 3

The Major Endocrine Glands

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

Rat with an Implanted Electrode

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

The Cerebral Cortex• Structures of the Cortex

• Functions of the – http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/flash/hom.html

– Motor Functions– Sensory Functions– Association Functions– Language

• Brain Reorganization

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

Subdivisions of the Cortex

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

Motor and Sensory Cortexes

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

Areas of the Cortex in Four Mammals

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

Specialization and Integration in Language

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

Brain Activity when Hearing, Seeing, and Speaking Words

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

Our Divided Brains

• Splitting the Brain

• Studying Hemispheric Differences in the Intact Brain

Right versus Left

• Left Brain

• Logical• Sequential• Rational• Analytical• Objective• Looks at parts

• Right Brain• Random• Intuitive• Holistic• Synthesizing• Subjective• Looks at wholes

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

Exploring in Modules, Module 4

Testing the Divided Brain