L4 - The Brain

The Brain Overview

• The brain controls complex behavior.

• Composed of billions of interconnected neurons.

• Different regions have specific functions.

Major Brain Regions

Cerebral Cortex

• Responsible for consciousness, intelligence, memory, and language.

Cerebellum

• Involved in muscle coordination.

Medulla

• Controls unconscious activities (e.g., breathing).

Investigating Brain Function

• Difficulties in investigating brain function and treating brain damage include:

  • Complexity and delicacy of the brain.

  • Methods used include studying patients with brain damage, electrical stimulation, and MRI scanning.

Fun Facts About the Brain

• Average brain weighs about 3lbs or 1.3kg.

• Highest cholesterol content of any organ (25% of body’s cholesterol).

• Brain freeze is scientifically known as sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia.

• Occipital lobe handles vision; injuries can cause visual disturbances.

• Left brain controls right vision and sound; vice versa for the right brain.

Symptoms and Affected Brain Areas

• Keeps falling unconscious: Cerebral cortex, occipital lobe.

• Can’t remember recent events: Cerebral cortex (temporal lobe, frontal lobe).

• Keeps falling over: Cerebellum, frontal lobe.

• Forgets to speak English: Cerebral cortex (temporal lobe).

• Irregular heartbeat: Medulla.

Methods of Brain Study

• Methods include:

  • Studying brain damage.

  • Electrical stimulation of brain areas.

  • MRI scans show active areas during tasks.

Risks vs Benefits of Studying the Brain