Admit Slip

Read the right brain/left brain packet and

write the numbers that apply to you.

10/20/15

Date: 10/20/15 Topic: The Brain Page # ___

Today in Room 326…

ADMIT SLIP: Read packet to determine if you are right or left brainedHW: Write a paragraph explaining how a signal is passed throughout the bodyCONTENT OBJ: SW describe the structure and function of a neuronLANG. OBJ: SW label the parts of their candy neuron verballyAGENDA:Right/Left BrainFeedback LoopsNeuron Structure

Date: 10/20/15 Topic: The Brain Page # ___

Right Brain/Left Brain Self-assessment

What type of brain are you?Were your scores very lop-sided, or fairly

even?Look at the back page. Which strategies might

apply to you?

Right Brain vs Left Brain Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

gdpkxjEyuJ4

Yesterday Review:CerebrumCerebellumBrain StemHypothalamus

Responsible for…

Phineas GageRead story

How does the brain send signals?Thoughts??

Signaling**Endocrine system: Made up of many glands and cells that produce and release chemical messengers into the blood

*Chemical messengers = hormones “Raging hormones” ?Levels change as you sexually mature, but hormones help maintain homeostasis for people of all ages

Hormones*Chemical substance produced by the body that controls the activity of cells or organs*Blood transports hormones past every cell of the body, but only certain “target” cells/organs can respondCells must have the right receptor for that hormone**Receptors are proteins that fit the shape of a specific hormone molecule

Lock & key interaction*

Example: Water shortage in the body

HypothalamusSensoryneurons

Increased sodium

Pituitary gland

Vasopressin

Carried throughout body

kidneysMore water reabsorbed by body

Feedback Loops*Negative feedback: systems work to shut off the response that the body had to being out of balance

Ex. Vasopressin (once body is back to normal sodium levels, the hypothalamus stops releasing vasopressin)

Positive feedback: adjusts internal conditions towards the initial condition

Ex. blood clotting

Feedback Loop ExamplesCome up with one for each!

Signaling*Two types of cells

Neurons = produce, send, and receive signalsGlial cells = protect, support, and insulate neurons

Neurons*What’s a neuron?

Nerve cell: A specialized cell that transmits nerve impulsesExample?

Run throughout our bodySend signals to each otherRelay messages to thebrain

JOURNALS OUT!!

Neuron Fun FactsAverage # of neurons in the brain= 100 billionRate of neuron growth duringfetal development = 250,000 neurons/minuteNeuron width is thinner than a human hairSpeed of signal transmitted througha neuron = 250 miles/hourAll your neurons lined end to endwould span about 600 miles

Neuron StructureWhy are telephone wires coated in plastic or rubber? Same with TV cords, cell phone chargers, etc.?The rubber insulates the electric signal!Allowsmessageto becarried

Neuron StructureNeurons in the brain work the same way!The carry electric signals to and from the brain,so they need insulation to successfully carry thesignal wherever it needs to go

Neurons connect to each other

k

Signaling Timed TrialLine up side-by-side while sitting in the floorYou should be shoulder-to-shoulder with the person next to youGently hold the forearm of the person to your rightWe are going to send a “squeeze” signal through the class. The first person will gently squeeze the second person, etc. When you feel a squeeze, squeeze your partner. I will time how long it takes the signal to reach the last person.

Time TrialsScenario 1: Arm Touch Scenario 2: Leg Touch

Time (seconds) Time (seconds)

Trial 1 Trial 1

Trial 2 Trial 2

Trial 3 Trial 3

ResultsComparing the results, what would you say about each situation? Why is this the case?Some signals are transmitted through a series of connected neurons, and some signals are transmitted through a really long neuron (long axon)Which animal would you think would need really long axons to transmit signals throughout the body?Fun Fact: Length of giraffe primary axon (head to toe) = 15 feet

Neuron Structure*Today we will use candy to createa neuron that has all necessary components!All candies shouldbe used. But it’s up to you how to do it!Hint: The red vinesare hollow!

Then, label your neuron, check w/ Ms. Gately, & take a picture!ALSO, you MUST draw an image of a label neuron in your

journal

Draw

Materials (per person)One paper towel½ pull-and-peel twizzlerOne normal twizzlerOne fruit roll-upOne jelly bean

Place on desk and DO NOT TOUCH

Make a Neuron!Using all the types of candy provided, make a neuron! Use your journal picture (and this one) to help you!

Now…With your table partner, place each of your axons next to each other in the way that axons are oriented in our body. How is the signal passed from one to another?*Synapse =small space that separatesneurons

Signal Transmission*• Neurotransmitter

= a chemical substance that is released at the end of a nerve fiber by the arrival of a nerve impulse (signal)

• By diffusing across the synapse, causes the transfer of the impulse to another nerve fiber

I will come give you a swedish fish. Please break this into little “neurotransmitters” to place between your neurons to represent signal

transmission

Draw & Label in Journal*

What is this called??

HomeworkWrite a paragraph, using ALL the vocabulary learned today, that describes the transmission of a nerve impulse (signal) throughout the body.Start with when a signal first hits the dendrites of a neuron.