Brain I: Structure and Functions

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Session Overview

Diagram showing side view of the human brain, with major brain regions in different colors.

How does the physical brain create the mind? This session explores how the brain's structure relates to specific mental functions. The cases of some famous patients, such as Phineas Gage and Patient H.M., demonstrate key points about the brain basis of personality and memory.

Keywords: brain structure, neurons, location of mental functions, hemispheres, Phineas Gage, Paul Broca, corpus callosum, split brain, patient H. M.

Image: Public domain (NIH)

Session Activities

Readings

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Lecture Videos

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Video Resources

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What are the two types of autonomic nervous system?

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Sympathetic nervous system, Parasympathetc nervous system

 

Further Study

These optional resources are provided for students that wish to explore this topic more fully.

TYPE CONTENT CONTEXT
Web resource Comparative Mammalian Brain Collections (aka "Brain Museum") Resources on brain anatomy for a wide range of mammals
Web resource The Human Brain. Discovering Psychology. WGBH Educational Foundation, 2001. Summary exploration of the human brain, in animated Flash and non-Flash versions
Supplemental reading Buy at Amazon Wang, S., and S. Aamodt. Welcome to Your Brain: Why You Lose Your Car Keys but Never Forget How to Drive and Other Puzzles of Everyday Life. Bloomsbury, 2008. ISBN:9781596912830. An overview of current understanding about the human brain, recommended by the TAs
Textbook supplement Study materials for Chapter 3, "The Biology of Mind and Behavior," in Study Site for Psychology in Context, 3/e (Pearson Education, 2007) Practice test questions, flashcards, and media for a related textbook by Kosslyn & Rosenberg

 

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