THE BRAIN

The brain is composed of many parts that work together to organize our movements, create our thoughts, form our emotions, and produce our behaviors. It is protected by our skull.

Hindbrain- structures include:Medulla- involved in blood pressure, heart rate and breathing.Pons- regulates body movement, attention, sleep, and alertness.Cerebellum- involves balance and coordination.

PARTS OF THE BRAIN

Midbrain structures include:Part of the Reticular Activating System- this is important for attention, sleep, and arousal.

Forebrain structures include:Thalamus- relay station for sensory information.Hypothalamus- controls temperature, hunger, thirst, and various emotions.Limbic system- involved in learning and memory, emotion, hunger, sex, and aggression.

Cerebrum- large mass of the forebrain containing two hemispheres.Cerebral Cortex- the bumpy, wrinkly surface of the brain that is the body’s control and information center. It is what makes us uniquely human; the part that thinks. It also deals with memory, language, emotions, complex motor functions, perception, and much more.Corpus Callosum- connects the two hemispheres.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)- Records the electrical activity of the brain. Used to diagnose some psychological disorders and tumors.

STUDYING THE BRAIN

CAT Scans- Computerized Axial TomographyUses X-RaysProduces a three-dimensional snapshot

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Uses magnetic fields and radio waves.Produces a more detailed snapshot.

PET Scans- Positron Emission TomographyShows brain activity as it occurs.Demonstrates that for every mental event there are underlying biological events.