The Brain

External structure of the brain Frontal lobe Parietal lobe Occipital lobe Temporal lobe Cerebellum Brain stem Functions of the lobes Spinal cord Link to 3D image of brain

Internal structure of the brain corpus collosum cerebral cortex thalamus ventricle hypothalamus cerebellum pituitary gland pons midbrain medulla oblongata

Different look at the structure of the brain Forebrain Hindbrain Midbrain

Drag each sentence to the corresponding structure

Drag each sentence to the corresponding structure

Studying the brain Scientists study the functions of parts of the brain by observing the behaviour of people who have suffered brain damage or have degenerative brain diseases. Scientists also use animal studies to investigate brain functioning. Phineas Gage: experienced personality and behavioural changes after damage to his frontal lobe A stroke of insight: the effects of a stroke (TED talks: 19 minutes)

Medical imaging technology CT scans (computerised tomography): Use X rays to identify major structures and can detect problems such as tumours and aneurisms. Sometimes a dye has to be injected into the blood. CT scan showing a brain aneurism (swelling of the artery) CT scan video

Medical imaging technology Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Uses high level magnetic field and radio waves to image soft tissues. It is useful for diagnosing tumours, clots, infections and brain damage MRI scan of a brain tumour CT scan of same tumour MRI scan video

Medical imaging technology Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI): Monitors changes in brain activity by measuring the changes in blood flow and oxygen uptake. Allows for the study of the different functions of the parts of the brain. FMRI images of the brain showing brain activity Potential uses of fMRI (4 minute TED talk)

Neuron firing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SHBnExxub8