2.1.1 Mind Matters

Career Connections

  • Principal Investigator (PI)

    • Person in charge of a scientific research grant or clinical trial

    • Considered the lead researcher and manages and maintains the integrity of the study being conducted

    • There may be more than one

  • Lab Manager

    • Person who generally oversees the lab, scheduling, ordering supplies, maintenance of equipment, and other tasks to keep the lab operating smoothly

  • Lab Technicians

    • People responsible for carrying out the hands-on work in the lab

    • May collect specimens or samples, performs tests, calibrate equipment, collect data, or other tasks based on the work or research being conducted

  • Postdoctoral Students

    • PhD graduates that are continuing their education, research, and training beyond their doctoral studies

On Your Nerves

  1. What is the role of the nervous system in the body?

    1. To send messages between the brain and body. These messages can be directions for movements, sensory information, etc.

  2. What are some examples of voluntary and involuntary actions of the

    nervous system?

    1. Voluntary actions include walking and eating. Involuntary actions include pumping blood, digestion, cellular respiration, etc.

Reflection Questions

  1. From the names alone, what do you think are the specific functions of the motor cortex and sensory cortex of the brain?

    1. The function of the motor cortex is to signal the body to make movement. The function of the sensory cortex is to sense things (touch, hearing, etc).

  2. The gyri (ridges) and sulci (valleys) on the brain greatly increase the brain’s

    surface area.

    1. How do you think this increase in surface area relates to improved brain function?

      1. This increase in surface area gives the gyri and sulci more chances for there to be more neural connects between neurons.

    2. Can you think of another example in the human body that is shaped specifically for greater surface area? How does this organ’s structure relate to its function in the body?

      1. The intestines are another example in the human body that is shaped specifically for greater surface area. They use layers of tissue and muscles to excrete waste out of the body.

  3. Given the placement of the ulnar nerve, what type of muscle do you think this nerve stimulates? Explain.

    1. The ulnar nerve stimulates the flexor muscles of the forearm.

  4. Given the placement of the radial nerve, what type of muscle do you think this nerve stimulates? Explain.

    1. The radial nerve stimulates the extensor muscles of the forearm.

Conclusion Questions

  1. How do the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system work together to control the body? Provide an example and explain.

    1. The CNS sends signals through the PNS to perform a specific actions (move, breathe, etc). The PNS sends information from the outside world to the CNS (vision touch, etc).

  2. Describe the locations of the lobes of the cerebrum using directional terms.

    1. The frontal lobe is anterior. The occipital lobe is posterior. The parietal lobe is superior. The temporal lobes are lateral.

  3. What can a child’s progress toward developmental milestones—the way a child plays, acts, communicates, or learns at certain ages—tell their caregivers and pediatrician about the development of their nervous system?

    1. A child’s progress towards developmental milestones tells their caregivers and pediatrician if there are any problems with the development of the child’s nervous system and how those problems will affect the child throughout their life.