The Brain Mrs Cavell Psychology Are you going

The Brain Mrs. Cavell Psychology

Are you going to dress up for Halloween on Friday? 1. Heck yeah…It will be spooktacular! 2. Yes…I like to show everyone my alter ego! 3. Not sure…I am shy! 4. No way…Halloween is for Halloweenies! 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 15

Early Brain Mapping: Phrenology • By studying the lumps on a person’s skull, early scientists thought that they could map out the brain. • Not accurate • But did lead to the idea of localization of brain functions.

The Brainstem

Hindbrain Structures • Cerebellum • Brainstem – medulla – reticular formation – pons

Medulla • Breathing • Heart rate • Digestion • Other vital reflexes –swallowing –coughing –vomiting –sneezing

Reticular Formation • Network of neurons in the brainstem (and thalamus) • Sleep and arousal • Attention

Pons • Helps coordinate movements on left and right sides of the body – Helps maintain balance while moving – The bridge between brain and spinal cord

Cerebellum • Word actually means “little brain” • Coordinated, rapid voluntary movements – e. g. , playing the piano, kicking, throwing, etc. • Place where procedural memories are kept. – e. g. how to ride a bike, swim

Which of the following is not an example of a procedural memory? 1. Reading a book 2. Riding a bike 3. Kicking a soccer ball 4. Playing the flute Response 20

Midbrain Structures Middle Region involved in visual & auditory processing.

Forebrain Structures • Thalamus • Limbic System • Cortex

Thalamus • Relay station in brain • Processes most information to and from higher brain centers • Like the Post Office taking incoming messages and delivering them

The Limbic System • Hypothalamus • Amygdala • Hippocampus

Parts of the Limbic System Amygdala • Emotional Center of the Brain. • Deals primarily with fear & aggression.

Amygdala and Emotion • Identify emotion from facial expressions • Plays a role in fear & aggression Amygdala damage makes this task difficult (click on picture to advance photos)

Parts Of The Limbic System Hippocampus • Helps us form new memories.

Which part of Clive Wearing’s brain was damaged? 1. 2. 3. 4. Medulla Reticular Formation Amygdala Hippocampus Response 20

Parts of the Limbic System Hypothalamus • Provides us with pleasurable feelings for doing the things that keep our species alive.

Hypothalamus • Involved in: – – – – sexual behavior hunger, thirst sleep water and salt balance body temperature regulation circadian rhythms (sleep/wake cycle) role in hormone secretion

Hypothalamus – Pleasure Center of the Brain • Rat with an electrode implanted in a reward center of its hypothalamus • Rat readily crosses an electrified grid, accepting the painful shocks, to press a lever that sends electrical impulses to its "pleasure centers. " • How often did the rat press the lever in an hour? • 7, 000 times!!! It finally collapsed from exhaustion (Olds 1958)

Do you think drug/alcohol addiction is a legitimate disease? 1. Yes. The rat experiment proved how powerful the hypothalamus is. 2. Yes, but not sure exactly why it is a disease. 3. No way! Drugs are a choice! Choose NO!! 20