Chapter 3: Biology and Behavior

The Brain
Small; fits in your hands (under 3 pounds) About as solid as firm jello Main fuel source is sugar (glucose)

Brain vs. Mind

Mind: Not observable, our mental activities o Thinking, feeling, learning Brain: Observable, physical structure o Membranes, fluid, chemicals

What is the Brain made of?

Neurons: Strings of long, thin cells o Messages to and from brain travel along neurons o May be fraction of an inch to 3 feet in length Glial Cells: Structure that supports neurons (myelin sheath) o The insulate the neurons; protect them o Help the neurons grow and function

Neuron Development
Begin developing at conception Mature human brain has about 100 billion neurons/glial cells Once developed, no more are produced Damage or disease is irreversible

Cell Body

Keeps neuron working; its fuel o Nucleus is in cell body with DNA instructions

Dendrites
Extensions from cell body o Receives info from environment/other neurons o Helps communicate through body

Axon

Single extension; gives signals to other neurons, organs, muscles o May be long or super-short

Chapter 3: Biology and Behavior

The Synapse
Synapse separates neurons o 20-30 billionths of a meter Information flows down axon into synapse Dendrite receptors take in information Synapse: gap between axon and dendrite Help send messages from neuron to neuron Released into synapse like water droplets being sprayed Type of info varies by neurotransmitter o Dopamine: Motor activity Less = Parkinsons More = schizophrenia o Serotonin: Emotions and sleep

Neurotransmitters

The Central Nervous System

Made up of the brain and spinal cord Spinal cord is as thick as your thumb and 16-18 inches long o Bundles of axons and dendrites

Peripheral Nervous System

All nerves outside brain and spinal cord Move muscles, sensations from body, etc. Two parts: somatic and autonomic Nerves connected to body parts you move voluntarily Our limbs, back, neck, chest, etc.

Somatic Nervous System

Autonomic Nervous System

Heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, digestion, etc. Occurs automatically without thinking about it o Blinking, breathing (somewhat controlled)

Chapter 3: Biology and Behavior

Sympathetic
Set off by threatening, challenging physical or psychological things o Body is made ready for action A protection device o Fight or Flee from situations Sports, accidents, exams, etc. can trigger this response

Parasympathetic
Brings body back to a normal state Relaxed, peaceful feelings mean parasympathetic system is working

The Brain

3 Parts: Hindbrain, Midbrain, and forebrain 2 Halves: Right Hemisphere and Left Hemisphere

Hindbrain
Rear base of the skull; second largest division Unchanged over time Pons: Bridge connecting spinal cord with brain and its different parts o Balance, hearing, and even our amount of sleep

Medulla (Hindbrain)

Controls breathing, heart rate, blood pressure o Excessive drinking may damage medulla o Results in death

Cerebellum (Hindbrain)

Controls coordination and posture o Helps make movement smooth o Loss of control with alcohol can damage cerebellum

Midbrain

Smallest division; above pons (middle of brain) Tells brain about incoming sensory information (reticular formation) Sends info into forebrain for processing

Chapter 3: Biology and Behavior

Midbrain Features
Without it, we would be in a coma o Forebrain would never be stimulated Unconsciousness: Anesthesia depresses reticular formation o Makes us unable to feel things Sleep: Reticular formation is blocked o Temporary unconsciousness Largest part; involved with many responses Sensory info, emotions, sleep, higher thinking skills, etc. Divided into layers and areas Relays sensory information to different parts of the brain Regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, etc. o Problems lead to weird eating and drinking patterns

Forebrain

Thalamus

Hypothalamus

Cerebral Cortex and Cerebrum

Cerebrum: Inner layer of forebrain Cortex: Outer layer of forebrain Spread out it would be 18 X 18 o Scrunched within the skull

Frontal Lobe

Located in front part of brain Social-emotional behaviors; allow us to act normal o Healthy personality, make decisions Motor Cortex: Works with voluntary body movements Located behind frontal lobe Somatosensory Cortex: Body sensations like touch, pain, temperature o Damage = Loss of feeling

Parietal Lobe

Chapter 3: Biology and Behavior

Temporal Lobe
Located below Parietal lobe Critical to hearing and speech Primary Auditory Cortex: Small area receiving info from the ears Located near the back of the brain Main area involved with vision Takes info from the eyes and makes it meaningful

Occipital Lobe

Hemispheres
Brain is divided into two equal halves Corpus Callosum connects the two o Corpus Callosum: Band of nerves Left brain controls right side of the body, right brain controls left side Studies show left side is language, right is more visual, size oriented

Recording

Wires (electrodes) in brain can record changes in neurons Can test what occurs with different stimulation EEG measures whole areas at once