Intro to the brain pp
- 1. Intro to the Human Brain
- 2. Today’s Objectives Content Objective I can explain how the brain works and how it is studied. I can display critical thinking about research studies. Language Objective I can define Localization of Function and Brain Plasticity.
- 3. Today’s Key Terms Neurology Localization of Function Frontal Lobe Hippocampus Neuron Brain Plasticity MRI and fMRI
- 4. Top Myths about our Brains What ideas or theories have you heard about our brains? Top Myths about Our Brains Video Which of the ideas that we listed can we take off?
- 5. Neurology The study of the brain and its functioning.
- 6. Localization of Function The principle that certain areas in the brain are responsible for certain behaviors.
- 7. Localization of Function: The Frontal Lobe The Frontal Lobe is responsible for self-control, planning, social judgment, and other higher-order thinking tasks. Sociopaths (Far Right) have been shown to have less activity in their Frontal Lobe.
- 8. Localization of Function: Hippocampus The Hippocampus is an area deep in the brain responsible for the storage of new memories. Damaged Hippocampus = No New Memories.
- 9. Neurons Neurons are cells that make up the nervous system (including the brain) that specialize in communication of information throughout the body Brains consist of billions of Neurons and Trillions of Neural connections.
- 10. Brain Plasticity The Principle that the brain changes over time and depending on our environment. Our brains are always changing. Use it or Loose It! How Our Learning Occurs in the Brain
- 11. How do Neurologists study the Brain? Throughout history Neurologists have used a variety of tools to study the brain. Post-Mortem Examination Brain Damage Case Studies Modern Technology (MRI, fMRI, PET) Key Question: Why might each of these methods have been used? What are the strengths and limitations of each?
- 12. Post Mortem Studies After individuals (or animals) die, their brains are dissected and compared to normally functioning brains. Example: Rosenweig (1972)
- 13. Rosenzweig (1972) Aim: To determine how the environment can impact the neurological development of rats. Method: Randomly assigned lab rats to one of three conditions. Control: Typical Laboratory Cage (other rats, adequate room and food/water.) Impoverished: Small cage, isolated, adequate food/water. Enriched: Large space, Multiple Toys, Companions, adequate food/water. After living 4-10 weeks, they were killed and autopsies were performed on their brains (randomly assigned numbers to eliminate researcher bias).
- 14. Rosenzweig (1972) Cont. Findings: The enriched rats had… 1.Thicker and heavier cerebral cortexes 2. Larger Neurons Conclusion: An enriched environment produced more developed and bigger brains. Critical Thinking: Artificial environment limited Ecological Validity. Ethical? Applications?
- 15. Brain Damage Cases The close examination of individuals with traumatic brain damage. By studying how their behavior has changed, we can understand what that part of the brain is responsible for. Example: Dimasio et al (1994) – The case of Phineas Gage Gage Video
- 16. Dimasio et al (1994) Aim: To determine what areas of Phineas Gage’s brain was damaged in the accident. Method: Used MRI technology to create a model of the accident and determine what areas were damaged.
- 17. Dimasio et al (1994) cont. Finding: The frontal lobe, and only the frontal lobe were damaged in the accident. Conclusion: The frontal lobe is responsible for self-control and social processing. Critical Thinking: Reliable?
- 18. Brain Imaging Technology In recent decades, scientists can use non-invasive technology to take images of the brain of functioning brains. MRI- Creates an Image of the structure of the brain fMRI- Shows activity in the brain. Example: Corkin et al. (1997): HM
- 19. Corkin et al (1997) Aim: To determine the extent of damage done to HM’s brain. Method: Performed an MRI on HM. Finding: All of HM’s Hippocampus and Amygdala were removed. Conclusions: The hippocampus is responsible for the storage of new memories. Critical Thinking: Ethical? Reliable?
- 20. Homework for Tonight 1. Select One of the Articles Online and read it in full. 2. Complete a 3-2-1 note guide for the Article. 3: New/Important ideas that were not discussed in class. 2: Pieces of Critical Thinking/Methodological Limitations 1. Question you still have about the Study.
- 21. Wrap-Up: Pepper Be Prepared to answer a question based on the vocabulary and ideas which we have discussed today.