PSY290H5 Lecture 2: PSY290H5 Lecture :
Psy290
Lecture 2
HW: 30, 34-43
Learning objectives
1. Use comparative anatomy to help us to understand differences in intelligence
2. Learn how to navigate around the brain.
3. Name anatomical structures within the brain.
4. Learn the functional significance of different structures
Brain size
• 86 Billion neurons
• Reaches maturity ~25 years
• Based on our weights, our brains should be smaller
o Convolutions/folds in our brain suggest that our brains evolved from a smaller
size
CNS
• Spinal cord, brainstem, thalamus, cortex, etc.
PNS
• Cranial nerves, Spinal nerves, Autonomic nervous system
Differences in cortical complexity
• More folds allow for greater surface area (= more neurons) without big changes in the
size of the skull
o Allow us to increase the size of our brain without increasing the actual volume
Executive brain and intelligence
• Includes the cerebrum and the brainstem
• Executive brain ration = Cerebrum/Brainstem
Fissure
• Major separation
Ipsilateral
• Same side
Contralateral
• Opposite side
Decussate
• Cross midline
Proximal
• Close to point to reference
Document Summary
Learning objectives: use comparative anatomy to help us to understand differences in intelligence, learn how to navigate around the brain, name anatomical structures within the brain, learn the functional significance of different structures. Brain size: 86 billion neurons, reaches maturity ~25 years, based on our weights, our brains should be smaller, convolutions/folds in our brain suggest that our brains evolved from a smaller size. Cns: spinal cord, brainstem, thalamus, cortex, etc. Pns: cranial nerves, spinal nerves, autonomic nervous system. Differences in cortical complexity: more folds allow for greater surface area (= more neurons) without big changes in the size of the skull, allow us to increase the size of our brain without increasing the actual volume. Includes the cerebrum and the brainstem: executive brain ration = cerebrum/brainstem. Proximal: close to point to reference, cortical areas are named by parts of the skull, broadmann"s use of cytoarchitecture to define distinct areas of the brain, five major divisions in embryonic development.
