Download The Human Brain

The Human Brain
General Information about the Brain
• Two types of cells
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o gray - unmylinated
o white - mylinated
Dura matter - surrounds the brain and connects to the skull.
It also surrounds the spinal cord
Two Hemispheres - Right and left
Corpus callosum - allows the two hemispheres to
communicate
Cerebrospinal fluid - cycles around through the ventricles
(open spaces) in the brain and through the central canal of
the spinal cord
Blood - brain barrier - specialized cells prevent materials
from entering the brain - a form of protection
Divisions of the Brain
Cerebrum
Frontal Lobe
Parietal
Occipital
Temporal
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Cerebellum
Brainstem
Cerebrum
• General info:
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o largest division of the brain
o folds increase surface area for neurons (ridges = gyri,
sulcus = grooves, fissure = deep groove)
o Fissure separates the left and right hemispheres and the
cerebrum from the cerebellum
Frontal Lobe - concentration, planning, voluntary motor areas
Parietal Lobe - sensation of temperature, touch, pain
Occipital Lobe - visual center of the brain
Temporal Lobe -auditory center of the brain
Curious Facts about the Cerebrum
Right brain - Left brain
The areas responsible for speaking are on the left. Also on
the left side are the areas responsible for analytical thinking
and math skills
The right hemisphere mainly deals with nonverbal, motor
tasks. Example: understanding the body's position in space,
interpreting music, emotional and intuitive thoughts
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This is the case for most people, but not everyone!
• The right side of the body is controlled by the left side of the
brain and vice versa
What Happens if the Sides of the
Brain Cannot Communicate?
•This can result from a split-brain
operation. This procedure is done to treat
severe forms of epilepsy where the seizures
are unable to be controlled in any other way.
In the operation the corpus callosum is cut
and signals are no longer able to be sent
from one side to the other.
• Check out this video
How do they figure all this out?
Through disease, injuries, and medical experimentation
Watch These..
Cerebellum
• also called the "tree of life", because of its appearance when
cut
• processes information about the position of the body
• damage causes inability to balance, walk properly, and can
even result in shaking (tremors)
Brainstem
Midbrain
reflex center
o Makes the eyes move as the head turns
o Makes the head move to better locate sound
o Helps to maintain posture
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Pons
relay center to the higher portions of the brain and the other
portions of the brainstem
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Medulla Oblongata
relays signals to the spinal cord and to the cerebellum
regulates involuntary motor functions
o heart rate
o dilation and constriction of blood vessels
o breathing
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