PSYC 3380_Chapter2 (done).pptx

PSYC 3380 – Cognitive Neuroscience Introducing the Brain Lecturer: Ezgi Palaz, MSc Neuron Neurons are cells that make up the nervous system. All neurons consists of a cell body (soma), dendrites and axon. Nucleus and organelles are in the cell body. Neurons receive information...

PSYC 3380 – Cognitive Neuroscience Introducing the Brain Lecturer: Ezgi Palaz, MSc Neuron Neurons are cells that make up the nervous system. All neurons consists of a cell body (soma), dendrites and axon. Nucleus and organelles are in the cell body. Neurons receive information through dendrites. Neurons send information through the axon. Neuron Neural Communication Terminal buttons of a neuron and dendrites of another send eachother chemicals to communicate through a small gap called a synapse. Presynaptic neuron is the information giver. Postsynaptic neuron is the information receiver. Presynaptic neuron is electrically charged by action potential. This potential reaches terminal buttons and induces release of informative chemicals called neurotransmitters. Terms of directional references Lateral: outer regions of the brain Medial: central regions of the brain Terms of sections of the brain Gross Oranization of the Brain Gray matter consists of cell bodies. White matter consists of axons and glia (support cells that are involved in tissue repair and myelin formation). White Matter Tracts Ventricles  Cerebral Cortex Folded sheets of gray matter Raised surfaces are called gyri (gyrus) Folds are called sulci (sulcus) 4 MAIN PARTS OF THE CEREBRAL CORTEX: Gyri & Sulci Folded structure helps raising area/volume ratio (efficiency in packaging of the brain). Subcortex Under the white matter lies a gray matter collection called the subcortex Made of basal ganglia, limbic system, thalamus, hypothalamus Basal Ganglia Motor control & skill learning Disorders: poverty or excess of movement (Parkinson’s & Huntington’s) Limbic System Diencephalon (Thalamus & Hypothalamus) Midbrain & Hindbrain