THE BRAIN

 The brain is composed of many parts that work together to organize our movements, create our thoughts, form our emotions, and produce our behaviors. It is protected by our skull.

 Hindbrain- structures include:  Medulla- involved in blood pressure, heart rate and breathing.  Pons- regulates body movement, attention, sleep, and alertness.  Cerebellum- involves balance and coordination. PARTS OF THE BRAIN

 Midbrain structures include:  Part of the Reticular Activating System- this is important for attention, sleep, and arousal.

 Forebrain structures include:  Thalamus- relay station for sensory information.  Hypothalamus- controls temperature, hunger, thirst, and various emotions.  Limbic system- involved in learning and memory, emotion, hunger, sex, and aggression.

 Cerebrum- large mass of the forebrain containing two hemispheres.  Cerebral Cortex- the bumpy, wrinkly surface of the brain that is the body’s control and information center. It is what makes us uniquely human; the part that thinks. It also deals with memory, language, emotions, complex motor functions, perception, and much more.  Corpus Callosum- connects the two hemispheres.

 Electroencephalogram (EEG)- Records the electrical activity of the brain. Used to diagnose some psychological disorders and tumors. STUDYING THE BRAIN

 CAT Scans- Computerized Axial Tomography  Uses X-Rays  Produces a three- dimensional snapshot

 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)  Uses magnetic fields and radio waves.  Produces a more detailed snapshot.

 PET Scans- Positron Emission Tomography  Shows brain activity as it occurs.  Demonstrates that for every mental event there are underlying biological events.