The Brain The Brain Studying the Brain Three

The Brain

The Brain • Studying the Brain • Three different methods to view Brain – MRI – f. MRI – PET

The Brain • MRI- passes non-harmful radio frequencies through the brain. Measures how signals interact with brain cells and transforms this interaction into a detailed image. • Used to study structure of the brain

The Brain • f. MRI- measures the activity of specific neurons that are functioning during cognitive tasks. • Used to study the function of the brain

The Brain • PET- injects a slightly radioactive solution into the blood and measures the amount of radiation absorbed by brain cells • Used to study function of neurons

The Brain • Nervous systems – Two main nervous systems • Central Nervous System (CNS) • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nervous System • Central Nervous System – Made up of the brain and the spinal cord • Peripheral Nervous System – Contains all nerves that extend from the spinal cord and carries messages to and from various muscles, glands, and sense organs located throughout the body

Nervous System • PNS • Two subdivisions – Somatic Nervous System • Nerves that connect to either sensory receptors or to muscles that you can move voluntarily • Afferent and Efferent

Nervous System • Autonomic Nervous System – Regulates heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, digestion, hormone secretion, and other functions. – Functions without conscious effort – Two subdivisions

Nervous System • Sympathetic Division – Triggered by threatening or challenging physical or psychological stimuli – Prepares the body for action • Parasympathetic division – Returns the body to a calmer, more relaxed state – Digestion

The Brain • Major parts of the brain – Forebrain – Midbrain – Hindbrain

The Brain • Forebrain • Largest part of the brain • Right and left hemispheres • Responsible for many functions, including learning, speaking, emotion, and voluntary movements

The Brain • Midbrain – Visual and auditory reflexes – Reticular Formation • Alerts the forebrain of incoming information

The Brain • Hindbrain – Three main structures • Pons – Interconnects messages from the spinal cord to the brain – Produces chemicals involved in sleep

The Brain • Hindbrain – Medulla • Controls vital reflexes, such as respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure – Cerebellum • Coordinates movements, but does not initiate voluntary movements • Timed motor responses