Lesson Notes
Lesson 2.3a Lower-Level Brain Structures: The Hindbrain, Midbrain, and Parts of the Forebrain
The Hindbrain: The hindbrain is located at the base of the brain, just above the spinal cord. This area of the brain controls most of our basic functions, such as breathing, the beating of your heart, to balance. Damage to this part of our brain can be life threatening.
The Midbrain: The midbrain is just above the hindbrain and helps control our sleep patterns, arousal, and movement.
The Forebrain: The forebrain contains upper-level brain structures that have an important role in relaying messages to the brain. This part of the brain also contains the Limbic System, which many researchers have said is the oldest part of the human brain from an evolutionary perspective. The limbic system is involved with our desires for food, sex, fear, and aggression.
Watch this flash presentation on The Human Brain to get a better understanding of how the brain functions.
Lesson 2.3b The Cerebral Cortex: The Center of “Higher” Processing
In this lesson you will learn about the different lobes in our brain. As mentioned earlier, we have eight lobes (4 on each side). Understanding the roles of these lobes and how they affect our behaviours and mental processes will make the remainder of your chapters easier to understand.
Each lobe (Frontal, Parietal, Temporal, and Occipital) has different functions and responsibilities. With so many terms, definitions, and roles in this section of the chapter it will be important for you to take your time when you read, to check for clarification, and understand the differences between each brain structure.
Case Study:
As part of this section of the chapter, you will read about Phineas Gage, a famous person in psychology. Phineas is not famous for his work as a researcher, but rather for what happened to him. Read about the story of Phineas and what makes him so important to the study of psychology and our understanding of the human brain.
Lesson 2.3c Two Brains in One? A House Divided
As stated earlier, our brains are divided into two hemispheres – the right and left. As you have already read, Broca’s area and Werenicke’s area are located in the left hemisphere. Not surprisingly, when researchers have done experiments they discovered that the left hemisphere is mostly responsible for speaking, writing, and understanding language.
Our two brain hemispheres are connected together by a ribbon like structure known as the corpus callosum. This part of the brain allows both of our hemispheres to work together as one unit. Researchers have made great discoveries about the human brain when they severe this bundle of nerve fibers. What do you think would happen if a doctor cut all of the connections between the two hemispheres?