Methods of Studying The Brain

Chapter 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.461

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

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.

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. 654 murderous minds

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

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

Structure of the Brain

Chapter 2

Structure of the Brain Video Clip: Parts of the Brain

Parts of the Brain

Brainstem – central core of the brain/ begins where the spinal cord swells and enters the brain

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)

Parts of the Brain

Reticular formation – body arousal and ability to focusMnemonic- 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

Parts of the Brain Cerebellum (little brain) – balance, motor

movement Extends from the rear of the brainstem. Morgan Madson volleyball player from player

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;

Corpus Callosum –

Nerves that connect the two hemispheres.

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

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

hemispheres

Cerebral Cortex: 4 lobesEach hemisphere is divided into 4 regions (lobes)

Frontal Lobe Parietal Lobe Occipital Lobe Temporal Lobe

Cerebral Cortex: 4 lobes Frontal Lobe – abstract thought, planning,

emotion Ex. Phineas 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

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