1. From the Eyes to the Brain

2. From the Eyes to the Brain
Once the optical system projects an image on the retina, a series of electrochemical interactions begins.
The photoreceptors (cones and rods) transform the image (light energy) into electric messages.
These messages are transmitted through neurons (nerve cells).
Magnified rods and cones!

3. The neurons converge at the optic disk where the optic nerve (a thick bundle of nerves) is connected to the eye.
Both optic nerves extend into the skull and join at a point called the optic chiasm.

4. From the Eyes to the Brain (cont.)
The optical nerves continue to the back of the brain.
Processing of the images begin in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN)
The images end up in the back of the brain at the visual cortex.
Images from both eyes are processed together to form a complete image.

5. Animation
animations/content/visualpathways.html

6. Into The Brain

7. Three Main Parts
Cerebrum: The large wrinkled portion that makes up most of the brain.
Contains majority of processing happens
2/3 of brain mass
Convoluted=
Folds and grooves
Brain stem

8. Parts of the Brain (cont.)
Cerebellum: underneath the cerebrum, this smaller part of the brain is found in the center of the brain.
Controls movement and balance

9. Parts of the Brain (cont.)
Brain stem: An extension of the spinal cord. It is found in front of the cerebellum and below the cerebrum.
Controls basic functions like:
heart rate, breathing,
sleeping and eating

10. Hemispheres Has two halves or hemispheres– Left and Right
These two halves look symmetrical and communicate with each other via the corpus collosum.

13. Lobes of the Brain Organized into four major lobes
Frontal: behind the forehead.
Planning, higher order thinking, logical, reasoning, personality, emotional response, thinking and planning ahead

14. Lobes of the Brain (cont.)
Temporal: Along the side in from the ear.
Processing of sensory input, supports speech and language

15. Lobes of the Brain (cont.)
Occipital: In the back.
Processes Visual information

16. Lobes of the Brain (cont.)
Parietal: On the top
Interacts brain and body, touch, movement

17. Sensory and Motor Cortex
Motor Cortex- controls voluntary movement
Sensory Cortex- processes body touch and sensations

18. Internal Structures Optic Track Pituitary Gland Hippocampus Cerebellum
Brain Stem
Medulla
Pons
Mid Brain
Cerebrum
Cerebral Cortex
Corpus Callosum
Amygdala
Optic Track
Pituitary Gland
Hippocampus
Cerebellum
Hypothalamus
Pons

19. Brainstem
Oldest part of brain
Life without it? 17

20. Brainstem
Medulla
Pons
Thalamus/
Midbrain
Text

21. Medulla Controls heartbeat and breathing Close your eyes and be quiet
Why is this important?

22. Pons
Coordinates movement
Activity 20

23. Thalamus
The “Hub”
Receives information from all senses (except smell) and sends it to different lobes of the brain

24. Corpus Callosum Connects Left and Right hemispheres
Can you remember what views of the brain these are? 24

25. Internal Structures
Hypothalamus- hunger, thirst, temperature 32

26. Internal Structures
Amygdala- aggression and fear 33

27. Internal Structures
Hippocampus- memory 34

28. Internal Structures
Pituitary Gland- controls hormones

29. Views of the Brain PET CAT
Which view is used in each of these pictures?

30. How Can We Look At The Brain?
Looking at a living brain without opening the skull is done through a scan.
Types of scans:
Computerized axial tomography (CAT) – produced with a computerized x-ray device.

31. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)- As a person is slid into a tunnel-shaped scanner, a magnetic field surrounds them. Radio waves are beamed to the area.

32. Electroencephalography (EEG)- measures electric activity in the brain by attaching electrodes to a patient’s head.

33. Positron emission tomography (PET) – Low-dose radioactive isotope is detected by injecting a substance into the patient. This substance is detected in the brain by the scanner.

34. KWL

35. Final Project
Describe what the major parts of the brain are doing while you are doing something you love.
For example: biking, sleeping, swimming, listening to music, cooking, dancing, etc....
Worksheet will help you!
Rubric will help you!
Your teachers will help you! 15

36. Rubric 36

37. Example Project