UNIT 3 THE CONSCIOUS SELF AREA OF STUDY 1: MIND, BRAIN & BODY

THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM KK 5A – PAGE 170

THE BRAIN THE ‘MASTER’ ORGAN responsible for everything that you think, feel and do Encased in the skull Weighs around 1.5 kgs Contains a complex structure of billions of neurons and trillions of connections between these neurons These connections form pathways throughout the brain that enable transmission of information KK 5B – PAGE 171-172

THE CEREBRAL CORTEX The convoluted outer layer covering the two cerebral hemispheres Involved in with information-processing activities such as perception, language, learning, memory, thinking and problem-solving. Also involved with control of voluntary movement The areas of the cerebral cortex and their main functions can be organised into 3 broad categories: SENSORY CORTEX AREAS - process information from senses MOTOR CORTEX AREAS - send information about bodily movement ASSOCIATION CORTEX AREAS - integrate sensory, motor & other information - involved in more complex mental activities KK 5B – PAGE 172-173

HOMEWORK LEARNING ACTIVITY 4.1 (pg.173) KK 5B – LEARNING ACTIVITY 4.1 (PAGE 173)

THE CEREBRAL CORTEX CEREBRAL HEMISPHERES The cerebral cortex is described as having two halves called ‘cerebral hemispheres’ These are two almost symmetrical brain structures that appear to be separated by a longitudinal fissure running from the front to the back of the brain. KK 5B – PAGE 173-174 The left and right hemispheres of the brain are not only alike in overall size, shape and structure, but also have many of the same functions Each hemisphere has a specific area responsible for motor and sensory functions

THE CEREBRAL CORTEX CORPUS CALLOSUM A band of nerve tissue that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres and serves as the main communication pathway between them Acts as a ‘bridge’ for neural messages between the two cerebral hemispheres KK 5B – PAGE 174-175

HOMEWORK LEARNING ACTIVITY 4.2 (pg.175) KK 5B – LEARNING ACTIVITY 4.2 (PAGE 175)