Chapter 3 – The Brain and Its Behavior

Brain and Behavior A)Hemispheres – The brain is divided into two halves. Each half controls the other side of the body. (Stroke?) (Paralysis?) p. 59 B)Each half is further divided in to lobes, each of which controls certain functions. Ex: Temporal Lobe – hearing/speech Occital Lobe - Sight Occital Lobe - Sight Demonstrations – Hemispheres together (leg/writing) (head/tummy) - Lobes (Song Humming) - Split Brain Activity

Left Brain/Right Brain

C) Brain Communication – human behaviors, memories, emotions, creativity, and even intelligence are based on processes that take place within cells. 1) The Nervous System – informs and responds to stimulus. a) Sensory – brain collects information from senses. (sight, touch, smell, sound, taste) b) Processing – compares info to memory, and organizes. c) Motor Function – info. is translated and set into action. Ex. Eraser Toss

2) The Neuron – a nerve cell; transmits electrical and chemical information through the body. Via Neurotransmitters. a) 4 parts: Axon, Soma, Dendrite, Vesicle (which contains the neurotransmitters) Axon – transmits info from cell body to wall; and other cells Dendrite – fibers that create more area on soma to pick up more info.

Act – p70 Neural Transmissions – shoulder tap Synapse – the space between nerve cells where info is transmitted (junction point) – zzzap! Cells cannot be repaired(?), nor multiplyCells cannot be repaired(?), nor multiply Cells are covered by fatty tissue called Myelin. (**Multiple Sclerosis causes a breakdown of myelin)Cells are covered by fatty tissue called Myelin. (**Multiple Sclerosis causes a breakdown of myelin) Demo – Hand Clasp 3) Central Nervous System (CNS) – Consists of only the brain and spinal cord. a) Spinal Cord – serves as “automatic” brain, and coordinates both sides of body…a type of relay station Issues reflexes without brain use. Triggered byIssues reflexes without brain use. Triggered by Neuron. Paper Bits Act.

b) Paralysis – a road block at the station points on the spinal cord. No regenerative ability… yet research continues. (60 Minutes Robotic Limbs) 4) Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) All nerves outside the CNS, transmits info.All nerves outside the CNS, transmits info. To and from CNS. Consists of 2 parts: a) Somatic – has nerves that serve major muscle groups (movement)

b) Autonomic – controls involuntary systems (Lung, Heart, Digestion). It too is broken in to two parts that work together. 1) Sympathetic – provides emergency energy to deal with crisis such as injury, stress 2) Parasympathetic – slows down, conserves and balances a system again.

Autonomic System

D) Endocrine System – consists of several glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream. Hormones – regulators of bodily process’ (growth) 1)Pituitary Gland – “Master” produces the most hormones; controls height and initiates other glands. 2)Thyroid Gland – sets metabolism and some emotional states. (restless/sluggish) 3)Adrenal Gland – for emergencies, or those perceived. Giving Speeches vs. Car Accident 4)Gonads – the sex glands. Androgen (M) and Estrogen (F) Give us our appearance.

Considerations:Considerations: a) Role of Technology in altering and “selecting” b) Role of Medicines in regulating/altering – HGH, Hormone Therapy?? Terminal Man Lawnmower Man