1. to learn about your BRAIN!!!
Today is a great day
to learn about your BRAIN!!!
Growing New Brain Cells?

3. How do we know about the brain? Brain Scans

4. Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Electrodes are placed on the scalp that amplify recordings of the waves of electrical activity across the brain’s surface

7. Computed Tomography (CT or CAT Scan)
A series of X-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of the brain

10. Position Emission Tomography (PET Scan)
A visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task
Language Development and PET Scans

14. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
A technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images that allow us to see structures within the brain

17. Accidents
Case study analysis of victims of suffer from a brain injury, resulting in variations in normal behavior
Phineas Gage

19. Lesions Lesioning is the removal or destruction of part of the brain.
IE. Lobotomy

20. Parts of the Brain

21. Cerebral Cortex
The body’s ultimate control and information processing center
Covers the brain’s lower level structures
Contains an estimated 30 billion nerve cells
Divided into two hemispheres and four lobes, connected by a thick band of nerve fibers called the corpus callosum

22. Top View of the Right and Left Hemispheres Hemispheres of the Brain Born With Only Half of a Brain

23. Right Side - Left Side
The right side of the brain controls muscles on the left side of the body
The left side of the brain controls muscles on the right side of the body.
Damage to one side of the brain will affect the opposite side of the body.

24. Hemispheric Differences

25. Hemispheric Differences
Both sides continually communicate via the corpus callosum.

27. Hemispheric Differences: Language and Spatial Abilities

28. The Brain’s Left Hemisphere
Language
Math
Logic
Analytic Thought
Scientific Thought
Reasoning

29. The Brain’s Right Hemisphere
Spatial abilities
Face recognition
Visual imagery
Music
Creativity
Emotional Instincts

32. Side View of the Left Hemisphere

34. Right and Left Frontal Lobes
The portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead
Mostly involved in abstract thought, speaking, muscle movements, making plans, and judgments
The Frontal Lobes
Where is Morality?
Pre-Frontal Lobe Development of Children

36. The motor cortex controls voluntary movements

37. The motor cortex receives messages from the rest of the brain and then sends messages back to the muscles of the body in order to control voluntary movements.

39. Right and Left Parietal Lobes
Regions available for general processing, including mathematical reasoning
The parietal lobes play important roles in integrating sensory touch information, and in the handling and manipulation of objects.
Sensory Motor Integration

41. The sensory cortex registers and processes touch sensations.

42. Right and Left Occipital Lobes
The primary visual processing area
Located in the back of the head

44. Right and Left Temporal Lobes
Includes the auditory cortex where sound information is processed
Located roughly above the ears

46. The Inner Brain

49. Cerebellum Latin for the “little brain”
Located in the rear of the brain
Helps coordinate voluntary movements and balance
If damaged, the person could perform basic movements but would lose fine coordination skills.

51. Brainstem The oldest part of the brain
The Midbrain
Pons
Medulla
Is responsible for automatic survival functions
Located where the spinal cord swells and the brain just begins

53. Pupil dilation and eyeball movement
Midbrain
The MIDBRAIN is also responsible for behaviors associated with hearing and sight
Pupil dilation and eyeball movement

55. PONS
The PONS is responsible for helping to regulate breathing, to help with sleep and wake cycles, and controls facial expressions

57. Medulla The base of the brainstem
Controls life-supporting functions like heartbeat and breathing
Damage to this area can lead to death.

59. Thalamus
Sits atop the brainstem
The brain’s sensory switchboard – receives input and directs messages to the sensory processing areas in the cortex

61. Limbic System
A ring of structures around the thalamus; at the border of the brainstem and cerebral cortex
Includes:
Hypothalamus
Hippocampus
Amygdala

63. Hypothalamus Located directly under the front of the thalamus
Regulates eating, drinking, body temperature, and the fight or flight reactions to stress
Plays a role in emotions, pleasure, and sexual function

65. Hippocampus Wraps around the back of the thalamus
Plays a role in processing new memories for permanent storage
Looks something like a seahorse
Hippo is Greek for “horse.”

67. Amygdala Two almond shaped structures
Controls emotional responses such as fear and anger

69. Brain Plasticity
Module 8: The Brain

70. Plasticity The ability of the brain tissue to take on new functions
Greatest in childhood
Important if parts of the brain are damaged or destroyed

71. The Brain
Basic Brain Functions