Download The Human Brain 101

The Human Brain 101
Kristi Miller, M.S., L.P.T.
A.K.A. “Gabriel’s Mom”
Fun Brain Facts
The average size of the adult brain is
about 5.5 inches wide, 6.5 inches long,
and 3.6 inches in height
 At birth, the brain weighs about 4/5 of a
pound. The adult brain weighs about 3 lbs.
 The brain is 78% water
 There are 100 billion neurons in the
human brain, the same number of stars in
our galaxy
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More Fun Brain Facts
The left hemisphere has 186 million more
neurons than the right hemisphere
 The slowest speed at which information
travels between neurons is 260 mph, as
“slow” as Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron which
clocked at 253 mph
 More electrical impulses are generated in
one day by the brain than by all the
telephones in the world
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Even MORE Fun Brain Facts
Albert Einstein’s brain weighed 1,230
grams (2.71 lbs), significantly less than the
human average of 3 lbs
 The brain can stay alive for 4-6 minutes
without oxygen. After that cells begin to
die.
 After age 30, the brain shrinks a quarter of
a percent (0.25%) in mass each year.
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History of Neuroanatomy
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Ancient references by
Egyptians and Greeks
Body mapping by
Chinese
Galen (129-201AD)
named brain as seat
of human spirit
Renaissance
dissection and
illustrations
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17th-19th century
naming of brain
anatomy
Joseph Gall’s
Phrenology spurs
research
20th century
developments (MRI,
PET, SPECT)
Methods of Study
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Selective surgical ablation or removal of brain
tissue
Faradic or galvanic (i.e. steady or pulsed)
electrical stimulation of the brain
Clinical studies of patients with disorders
compared to evaluation of the brain after death
EEG, CT, MRI, PET, SPECT and other
computerized mapping of brain anatomy and
activity
Basic Brain Anatomy
Brain Stem
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The brain stem is the part
of the brain that connects
to the spinal cord. It is
responsible for basic
survival functions that are
involuntary.
Functions of the brain
stem include regulating
respiration, digestion,
blood pressure, heart
beat, swallowing and
alertness.
Cerebellum
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Cerebellum means
“little brain”
Located at the back of
the brain, the
cerebellum is
responsible for
balance and the
coordination of
movements
The Lobes
Occipital Lobe
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The occipital lobe is located at the back of
the brain
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The occipital lobe is responsible for
processing visual reception as well as
recognition of shapes and colors
Parietal Lobes
The parietal lobes contain the primary
sensory cortex which controls sensation
(touch and pressure) and the secondary
sensory cortex which interprets size,
weight, shape and texture.
 The parietal lobes also contain the motor
cortex which controls movement of the
limbs.
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Temporal Lobes
The temporal lobes are located on the
sides of the head just above the ears.
 The temporal lobes are responsible for
organizing stimuli and forming memory.
 The left temporal lobe is responsible for a
person’s ability to use language
 The right temporal lobe is responsible for a
person’s ability to form and interpret visual
memory
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Frontal Lobe
The frontal lobe is located where?
 The frontal lobe function develops or
“matures” last.
 The frontal lobe is responsible for
“executive function”. This includes
organization, planning, problem solving,
selective attention, impulse control and
personality.
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Localization Map
Got Brain Damage?
What Protects The Brain?
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Dura Mater- hard
mother
Arachnoid Layer
Pia Mater- tender
mother
Cerebrospinal fluid
Skull
What causes damage to the brain?
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TBI
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Anoxia
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Tumors
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Environmental toxins
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Strokes
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Infection
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Drug Use
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Electric shock
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Metabolic imbalance
Hemorrhage
Hydrocephalus
Tumor
Alzheimer’s
Chronic Marijuana Use
Alcoholism
Traumatic Brain Injury
Dysfunction Associated With Brain
Damage
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Mobility
Sensation
Coordination
Swallowing
Vision
Appetite
Speech
Learning
Memory
Problem Solving
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Personality
Impulse Control
Mood
Anger management
Sleep
Attention
Concentration
Orientation
Confusion
Social function
The Ultimate Case Study:
Phineas Gage
Phineas Gage
Phineas Gage was a 26 year old foreman
of a track construction crew that was
blasting granite to build a railroad.
 Gage was, by all reports, likeable prior to
his accident.
 He was packing dynamite powder into a
hole with a tamping rod when an explosion
blew the rod through his skull
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Phineas Gage
Phineas Gage
Phineas Gage
Gage was awake when he got to the
hospital with the rod sticking out of his
head
 He could walk and talk as normal
 He developed fever from infection, but did
not die
 His behavior, however, was permanently
changed.
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Phineas Gage
Gage was frequently found wandering
around town in the rain at night with no
coat or shoes (not a good idea in
Vermont).
 He is unreasonable, irritable, and uses
vulgar language. His old employees can
no longer work with him
 Women are NOT attracted to him any
more
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Questions?