Methods of Studying The Brain
Chapter 2
Ways to study the brain …
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Observation after an injury – What part of the brain is
injured and what mental and bodily functions has the
injury affected? (Ex. Phinneas Gage)
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Lesions – tissue destruction in the brain (naturally or
experimentally caused)

Could be intentional destruction of a part of the brain – cutting or
burning to treat some disease

Ex Morgan Madson and volleyball
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Ex. The Fat Rat p.461
Ways to study the brain …

EEG (Electroencephalogram)
– records waves of electrical
activity across the brain’s
surface
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Electrodes placed on the scalp
Electrical signals from the brain
are transferred into waves
Ways to study the brain …

CT Scan (Computed Tomography) – series of x-rays
taken from different angles and combined by computer to
show a complete representation of a slice through the
body.
Ways to study the brain …

PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography) – Slightly
radioactive solution is injected into the blood and then
the amount of radiation absorbed by brain cells. A
computer transforms the absorption into a colors that
indicate neuron activity
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Your thoughts “light up”
More color is associated with a more
active brain
The colors red and yellow indicate
maximum brain activity, blue and green
are minimal activity
p. 654 murderous minds
Ways to study the brain …

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – a
technique that uses a magnetic field to
send radio frequencies through the
brain. A Computer measures how
these signals interact with the brain
cells. The computer transforms these
interactions into detailed images of the
structure of the brain.
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Blood travels to active parts of the brain
MRIs display this blood flow
Advantages – detailed, no harm, living
brain can be studied
Ways to study the brain …

fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) – a
technique for revealing blood flow and therefore brain
activity by comparing successive MRI scans.

This is your brain on music

Improvisation and Music
Reading Your Mind - YouTube reading fmri
Structure of the Brain
Chapter 2
Structure of the Brain

Video Clip: Parts of the Brain
Parts of the Brain

Brainstem – central
core of the brain/ begins
where the spinal cord
swells and enters the
brain
Parts of the Brain


Medulla – blood pressure,
heart rate, and breathing

Base of the brainstem.

Application example
Pons – control of facial
expression

Located on the brainstem above
the medulla
(technically both are part of the brainstem)
Parts of the Brain

Reticular formation – body
arousal and ability to focus
Mnemonic- tic tock goes the alarm clock.

Thalamus – receiving sensory
signals
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Located at the top of the brainstem
“Sensory Switchboard” because
It’s like the switchboard operator that
decides where/when to place call
Parts of the Brain

Cerebellum (little brain) – balance, motor movement

Extends from the rear of the brainstem.

Morgan Madson volleyball player from player
Parts of the Brain

Limbic System – System of
neural structures at the border of
the brainstem
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Hippocampus – formation of new
memories. Mnemonic.- picture a
hippo on a college campus
Amygdala – emotions. Girl with no
emotions.
Hypothalamus – hunger/thirst,
sexual arousal, body temperature.
FAT RAT;
Corpus Callosum –
Nerves that connect the
two hemispheres.
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Parts of the Brain

Cerebral Cortex – outer layer of the brain, intricate
fabric of neural cells, covers the two hemispheres, this is
the thin, gray wrinkled part of the brain
Hemispheres of the Brain

The cerebral cortex can be divided into two hemispheres
Cerebral Cortex: 4 lobes

Each hemisphere is divided into 4 regions (lobes)
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Frontal Lobe
Parietal Lobe
Occipital Lobe
Temporal Lobe
Cerebral Cortex: 4 lobes

Frontal Lobe – abstract thought, planning, emotion
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Ex. Phineas Gage – limbic system is separated from frontal lobe
Parietal Lobe – contains the sensory cortex, receives
touch sensations
Occipital Lobe – (optical) back of brain, visual cortex
Temporal Lobe – process sound
The Brain in a card game

Directions: show how each of the following parts of the
brain may be involved in a card game with a group of your
friends:
Pons 2. Amygdala 3 Hippocampus
 4 Frontal Lobe 5 Medulla 6 Temporal Lobe
 7 Occipital Lobe 8 Cerebellum
 9 Reticular Formation 10 Hypothalamus
 11. Parietal Lobe
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