IPOD Neural Impulse Demonstration

Brain and Behavior

Introduction

Some methods of studying the brain

Animal Research:1.) Lesioning2.) ESB (Electrical Stimulation of Brain)

Human Research1.) CT (or CAT) scan2.) PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan3.)fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Methods of Studying animal brains1.) Lesioning

Involves the destruction of a piece of brain An electrode is inserted and high frequency current

burns tissue

2.) Electrical Stimulation of brain (ESB)An electrical current is sent through brain to

stimulate itElectrode used to activate brain area

Methods of studying human brain

1.) CT (CAT) Scan-Computer enhanced X-ray of brain structure-creates vivid image of the brain through multiple

x-rays

Methods of studying Human Brain2.) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanRadioactive markers map chemical activity in brain

Color coded map shows which brain areas are active during certain functions

Methods of Studying Human Brain

3.) Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

Different than regular MRI (MRI only maps structure)

fMRI monitors oxygen and blood flow to brain areas during certain functions

Brain Regions

3 Major regions of the brain1.) Hindbrain2.) Midbrain3.) Forebrain

HindbrainConsists of:1.) Cerebellum2.) Medulla3.) Pons

1.) Cerebellum- “little brain”Coordinates movementResponsible for balance

2.) MedullaIn charge of unconscious, essential functions

Breathing, Regulating our circulation

3.) Pons“Bridge” connecting brain stem with cerebellum

Involved with sleep

ForebrainConsists of:1.) Thalamus2.) Hypothalamus3.) Hippocampus4.) Amygdala5.) Cerebrum

1.) ThalamusRelay station for sensory informationPlays role in integrating information from senses

2.) HypothalamusRegulation of basic biological needsHunger, sex drive, thirst

What happens when certain parts of hypothalamus lesioned

3.) HippocampusRole in memory

4.) AmygdalaRole in learning of fear responses

5.) CerebrumLargest brain partControls mental activitiesLearning, thinking, remembering

Divided into 2 halves called hemispheres

Brain has right hemisphere and left hemisphere

Corpus Callosum – connective tissue holding hemispheres (halves) together

Each Hemisphere Contains 4 Lobes

1.) Frontal Lobe- Motor Coordination; thought processes

2.) Occipital Lobe – Vision

3.) Parietal Lobe – Sensation (Touch)

4.) Temporal Lobe- Auditory (Hearing)

Right/ Left Hemisphere

We essentially have two brains in oneLeft Hemisphere

Verbal ProcessingLanguageSpeechReadingWriting

Right Hemisphere Spatial and visual recognition

Expression “Right-Brained” or “Left Brained”

Hemispheres and bodyEach hemisphere controls the opposite side of

the body

Right hemisphere coordinates left side of the body

Left hemisphere coordinates right side of the body

Brain Plasticity