PPE-3003 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Substantia Nigra, Basal Ganglia, Ct Scan
Document Summary
Historically, the brain was studied by means of scalpels and magnifying glasses on deceased people. Now, eeg, pet, fmris and more are used. Examining the effects of: neurotransmitters and hormones. Three methods for studying the brain: brain damage specific problems in multiple people due to the same damaged areas. Ct scans; pet scans (map of brain activity); fmri. Small structure near the base of the brain, behind the hypothalamus that links perceptions and thoughts about the world with their emotional meaning (when removed, become less aggressive, less fearful, increased and unusual sexual behavior) Phineas gage railroad worker injured by gunpowder misuse that sent a rod through his frontal lobe; he survived and functioned properly but his attitude changed: no emotions, impatient, stubborn, vulgar. Elliott headaches and inability to concentrate; large tumor removed along with parts of cerebral cortex; recovered normally with speech, memory, and actions normal but unemotional and lacking in judgement.
