1. Methods of Studying The Brain
Chapter 2

2. Ways to study the brain …
Observation after an injury – What part of the brain is injured and what mental and bodily functions has the injury affected? (Ex. Phinneas Gage)
Lesions – tissue destruction in the brain (naturally or experimentally caused)
Could be intentional destruction of a part of the brain – cutting or burning to treat some disease
Ex Morgan Madson and volleyball
Ex. The Fat Rat p.475

3. Ways to study the brain …
EEG (Electroencephalogram) – records waves of electrical activity across the brain’s surface
Electrodes placed on the scalp
Electrical signals from the brain are transferred into waves

4. Ways to study the brain …
CT Scan (Computed Tomography) – series of x-rays taken from different angles and combined by computer to show a complete representation of a slice through the body.

5. Ways to study the brain …
PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography) – Slightly radioactive solution is injected into the blood and then the amount of radiation absorbed by brain cells. A computer transforms the absorption into a colors that indicate neuron activity
Your thoughts “light up”
More color is associated with a more
active brain
The colors red and yellow indicate
maximum brain activity, blue and green
are minimal activity
p. 664 and 678 murderous minds

6. Ways to study the brain …
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – a technique that uses a magnetic field to send radio frequencies through the brain. A Computer measures how these signals interact with the brain cells. The computer transforms these interactions into detailed images of the structure of the brain.
Blood travels to active parts of the brain
MRIs display this blood flow
Advantages – detailed, no harm, living brain can be studied

7. Ways to study the brain …
fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) – a technique for revealing blood flow and therefore brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans.
This is your brain on music
Improvisation and Music
Reading Your Mind - YouTube reading fmri
Hidden Motives - last 6:00

8. Structure of the Brain
Chapter 2

9. Parts of the Brain
Brainstem – central core of the brain/ begins where the spinal cord swells and enters the brain

10. (technically both are part of the brainstem)
Parts of the Brain
Medulla – blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing
Base of the brainstem.
Application example
Pons – control of facial expression
Located on the brainstem above the medulla
(technically both are part of the brainstem)

11. Parts of the Brain
Reticular formation – body arousal and ability to focus
Mnemonic- tic tock goes the alarm clock.
Thalamus – receiving sensory signals
Located at the top of the brainstem
“Sensory Switchboard” because
It’s like the switchboard operator that
decides where/when to place call

12. Parts of the Brain Cerebellum (little brain) – balance, motor movement
Extends from the rear of the brainstem.
Morgan Madson volleyball player from BHS

13. Parts of the Brain
Limbic System – System of neural structures at the border of the brainstem
Hippocampus – formation of new memories. Mnemonic.- picture a hippo on a college campus
Amygdala – emotions. Girl with no emotions.
Hypothalamus – hunger/thirst, sexual arousal, body temperature.
FAT RAT;

14. Nerves that connect the two hemispheres.
Corpus Callosum –
Nerves that connect the
two hemispheres.

15. Parts of the Brain
Cerebral Cortex – outer layer of the brain, intricate fabric of neural cells, covers the two hemispheres, this is the thin, gray wrinkled part of the brain

16. Hemispheres of the Brain
The cerebral cortex can be divided into two hemispheres

17. Cerebral Cortex: 4 lobes
Each hemisphere is divided into 4 regions (lobes)
Frontal Lobe
Parietal Lobe
Occipital Lobe
Temporal Lobe

18. Cerebral Cortex: 4 lobes
Frontal Lobe – abstract thought, planning, emotion
Ex. Phinneas Gage – limbic system is separated from frontal lobe
Parietal Lobe – contains the sensory cortex, receives touch sensations
Occipital Lobe – (optical) back of brain, visual cortex
Temporal Lobe – process sound
Brain Lobes (Occipital, Parietal, Temporal, Frontal Lobes, Cerebellum, & Brain Stem with lyrics) - YouTube

19. 4 Frontal Lobe 5 Medulla 6 Temporal Lobe 7 Occipital Lobe 8 Cerebellum
The Brain in a card game
Directions: show how each of the following parts of the brain may be involved in a card game with a group of your friends:
1 Pons 2. Amygdala 3 Hippocampus
4 Frontal Lobe 5 Medulla 6 Temporal Lobe
7 Occipital Lobe 8 Cerebellum
9 Reticular Formation 10 Hypothalamus
11. Parietal Lobe
YOUTUBE- PINKY AND THE BRAIN