The Brain: Biological Influences

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The Brain - Key Terms

cerebral cortex noun - the furrowed outer layer of gray matter in the cerebrum of the brain, associated with the higher brain functions, as voluntary movement, coordination of sensory information, learning and memory, and the expression of individuality.
corpus callosum noun - a great band of deeply situated transverse white fibers uniting the two halves of the cerebrum in humans and other mammals.
forebrain noun - also called prosencephalon. The anterior of the three primary divisions of the brain in the embryo of a vertebrate, or the part of the adult brain derived from this tissue including the diencephalon and telencephalon.
frontal lobe noun - the anterior part of each cerebral hemisphere, in front of the central sulcus.
hindbrain noun - the most posterior of the three primary divisions of the brain in the embryo of a vertebrate or the part of the adult brain derived from this tissue, including the cerebellum, pons, and medulla oblongata; rhombencephalon.
midbrain noun - the middle of the three primary divisions of the brain in the embryo of a vertebrate or the part of the adult brain derived from this tissue; mesencephalon.
occipital lobe noun - the most posterior lobe of each cerebral hemisphere, behind the parietal and temporal lobes.
parietal lobe noun - the middle part of each cerebral hemisphere behind the central sulcus.
temporal lobe noun - the lateral lobe of each cerebral hemisphere, in front of the occipital lobe.

quizlet
Test your knowledge of key terms.

Introduction

This Biological Influences research guide is designed to help Year 12 students studying Psychology.

The Forebrain and Midbrain

Sterling Pixels. (2014). The human brain: forebrain and midbrain [Clickview broadcast]. Retrieved from https://clickv.ie/w/ZHMd

Brain Structure and Function

Mindmap of the brain. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.twig-world.com/mindmap/197/brain/
This site contains a selection of videos demonstrating what the brain looks like and the specific functions of the brain stem, cerebellum and cerebrum.
Structure and function of the brain. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.sparknotes.com/psychology/psych101/thebrain/section5.rhtml
This website explores the three main parts of the brain: the hindbrain, the midbrain, and the forebrain.
Lewis, T. (2015). Human brain: facts, anatomy & mapping project. Retrieved from http://www.livescience.com/29365-human-brain.html
The human brain is the command center for the human nervous system. It receives input from the sensory organs and sends output to the muscles. This website explores the facts, anatomy and mapping of the brain.
BBC. (2014). The human brain map. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/body/interactives/ organs/brainmap/
This interactive map of the brain allows you to explore both its function and structure.
Heffner, C. L. (n.d.). The brain and nervous system. Retrieved from http://allpsych.com/psychology101/brain/#.Vfoqjp2qqko
This website discusses the nervous system and it's two two major systems: central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.
Brain and spinal cord. (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://school.eb.com.au.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/levels /high/article/273327#197835.toc
This article explores how the human brain regulates thought, memory, judgment, personal identity, and other aspects of what is commonly called mind. It also regulates aspects of the body—including body temperature, blood pressure, and the activity of internal organs—to help the body respond to its environment and to maintain the body’s health.
An introduction to neurons, brains and biological psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://catalogue. pearsoned.co.uk/assets/hip/gb/hip_gb_pearsonhighered/ samplechapter/NEW%20Wickens%20Ch1.pdf
This Biological Psychology text discusses neurons and the brain including: historical views concerning brain and behaviour, neurotransmitters and chemical communication between neurons and an introduction to the central nervous system.
Brain. (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://school.eb.com.au.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/levels/ high/article/16178
This article discusses the brain. The brain is the mass of nerve tissue in the anterior end of an organism. The brain integrates sensory information and directs motor responses; in higher vertebrates it is also the centre of learning.

Scanning the Brain

Rutkin, A. H. (2013). Top 12 ways scientists can study your brain. Retrieved from https://theraptorlab.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/top-13-ways-scientists-can-study-your-brain/
This webpage explores 12 ways scientists study the brain from MRI to Optogenetics.
PET Scan. (2012). Retrieved from the Health and Wellness Resource Centre
A PET (positron emission tomography) scan is a procedure used to observe the brain, the heart, or tumors. You will be given an injection of a low-level radioactive material attached to a natural body chemical. The scan shows where the radioactive material went and how much of it the brain, heart, or tumors are using.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging. (2010). The Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer, 3rd ed., Detroit: Gale, 2010, pp. 881-885. Retrieved from the Health and Wellness Resource Centre
A magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) uses the equipment and technology of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the arterial system in the body.
Brain scanning. (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://school.eb.com.au.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/levels/high/article/16179
Brain scanning, any of a number of diagnostic methods for detecting intracranial abnormalities. The oldest of the brain-scanning procedures still in use is a simple, relatively noninvasive procedure called isotope scanning.

Phineas Gage

Curious case of Phineas Gage. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.twig-world.com/film/curious-case-of-phineas-gage-923/
When Phineas Gage's brain was injured in a freak accident, his personality changed giving scientists a unique opportunity to study brain function.
Phineas Gage and the science of brain localisation. (Neurological Stamp). (2001). Retrieved from the Health and Wellness Resource Centre
An injury with an improbable outcome that occurred to a to a railway foreman on 13 September 1848 had an influence on the science of localisation of brain function.