Topic 1
Anatomy of the Brain
Neurons, which convey messages to
one another and to muscles and
glands, vary enormously in size,
shape, and functions.
The glia, generally smaller than
neurons, have many functions but do
not convey information over great
distances.
Central Nervous System
The spinal cord is protected by
membranes called meninges
(collectively made up of the dura,
arachnoid, and pia mater) and the
spinal column of bony vertebrae.
In adults, the spinal cord ends at the
upper part of the curvature of the
lower back and extends upward to the
base of the skull where it joins the
brain.
Biological Explanation of Behavior
Relates a behavior to the activity of
the brain and other organs. It deals
with the machinery of the body-for
example, the chemical reactions that
enable hormones to influence brain
activity and the routes by which brain
activity controls muscle contractions
The Medulla
โ Is where ascending and
descending tracts of many
fibers cross, resulting in
contralateral control
โ Regulates heart rate and force
of contraction
โ Regulates distribution of blood
flow 4. Sets the pace of
respiratory movements
โ Controls vomiting
โ Regulates reflexes such as
coughing, salivating, and
sneezing
โ Includes sensory and motor
nuclei of five cranial nerves.
Cranial nerves control
sensations and movement of
the head and control much of
the activity of the
parasympathetic nervous
system's control of the organs.
Cerebrum
- The auditory cortex is partially
buried within the lateral sulcus
in the temporal lobes.
Sensations of smell and taste
are processed anteriorly in the
temporal lobes.
- Multiple representations of
information can be illustrated
with respect to speech. The
temporal cortex is important
for understanding language,
especially spoken language
The left frontal cortex is
important for language
production (speaking and
