PSYC 1001 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Postcentral Gyrus, Auditory Cortex, Visual Cortex
Document Summary
Neurons cells that receive and transmit electrical signals. 100 billion neurons with 100 trillion connections. Brain is able to engage in complex functions because the nerve cells are organized into modules that work together. Composed of the brain and spinal cord. Protected by: meninges - three layered membrane encasing the brain and spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid - colorless fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Processes and stores information about the environment. Forebrain - cerebral cortex, limbic system, thalamus, basal ganglia, hypothalamus. Midbrain - superior/inferior colliculi, substantia nigra, mesencephalon. Incorporates all of the midbrain and all of the hindbrain except for the cerebellum: one of the most primitive regions of the brain, controls physiological functions and automatic behaviour. Cerebral hemispheres: covered by a layer of tissue called the cerebral cortex. Allowing for greater interconnections between parts of the cortex which allows humans to engage in more complex cognitive activity.
