Transcript Chapter 2 - Bakersfield College

PSYCHOLOGY
AN EXPLORATION
Second Edition
CHAPTER
2
the biological
perspective
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
why study the nervous system and the glands?
How could we possibly understand any of our behavior,
thoughts, or actions without knowing something about
the incredible organs that allow us to act, think, and
react? If we can understand how the brain, the nerves,
and the glands interact to control feelings, thoughts,
and behavior, we can begin to truly understandthe
complex organism called a human being.
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Learning Objectives
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
LO 2.1
What are the nervous system, neurons and nerves?
LO 2.2
How neurons use neurotransmitters to communicate
LO 2.3
How brain and spinal cord interact
LO 2.4
Somatic and autonomic nervous systems
LO 2.5
Hormones and Behavior
LO 2.6
How psychologists study the brain and how it works
LO 2.7
Structures and functions of the bottom part of the brain
LO 2.8
Structures that control emotion, learning, memory,
motivation
LO 2.9
Parts of cortex controlling senses and body movement
LO 2.10 Areas of the cortex involved in higher forms of thought
LO 2.11 Left and Right brain differences
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Overview of Nervous System
LO 2.1 What are the nervous system, neurons and nerves?
• Nervous system
– Network of cells carrying information to
and from all parts of the body
• Neuroscience
– Emphasis on structure and function of
neurons, nerves, and nervous tissue
– Branch of life sciences
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Structure of the Neuron
LO 2.1 What are the nervous system, neurons and nerves?
• Biological psychology (behavioral
neuroscience)
– Branch of neuroscience
– Focuses on the biological bases of
psychological processes, behavior, and
learning
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Figure 2.1
An Overview of the Nervous System
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Structure of the Neuron
LO 2.1 What are the nervous system, neurons and nerves?
• Neuron
– Specialized cell in the nervous system
– Sends and receives nervous system
messages
• Parts of the Neuron
– Dendrites
 Branch-like structures that receive
messages from other neurons
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Structure of the Neuron
LO 2.1 What are the nervous system, neurons and nerves?
• Parts of the Neuron
– Soma
 Cell body of the neuron
 Responsible for maintaining the life of the
cell
– Axon
 Long tube-like structure
 Carries the neural message to other cells
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Figure 2.2 The Structure of the Neuron
The electronmicrograph on the left shows myelinated axons.
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Other Types of Brain Cells
LO 2.1 What are the nervous system, neurons and nerves?
• Glial Cells
– Provide support for the neurons to grow
on
– Deliver nutrients to neurons
– Remove waste products and dead
neurons
– Types include oligodendrocytes and
Schwann cells
– Produce myelin to coat axons
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Myelin Sheath
LO 2.1 What are the nervous system, neurons and nerves?
• Fatty substances produced by glial cells
• Coats the axons insulate, speed neural
impulse
• Oligodendrocytes produce myelin for
brain and spinal cord
• Schwann cells produce myelin for rest
of body
• Multiple sclerosis
– Causes destruction of myelin sheath
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Generating the Message: Neural Impulse
LO 2.1 What are the nervous system, neurons and nerves?
• Neurons are electrically charged with
ions
– Ions are located inside and outside of
the cell
– More negatively charged inside the cell,
more positively charged outside the cell
– Difference in charges creates an
electrical potential
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Generating the Message: Neural Impulse
LO 2.1 What are the nervous system, neurons and nerves?
• Resting potential
– State of neuron when not firing a neural
impulse
– Channels for sodium not open
• Action potential
– Release of the neural impulse
– Consists of reversal of electrical charge
within the axon
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Generating the Message: Neural Impulse
LO 2.1 What are the nervous system, neurons and nerves?
• All-or-none
– Neuron either fires completely or does
not fire at all
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Figure 2.3 The Neural Impulse Action Potential
In the graph below, voltage readings are shown at a given place on the neuron over a period of 20 or 30
milliseconds (thousandths of a second). At first the cell is resting; it then reaches threshold and an action
potential is triggered. After a brief hyperpolarization period, the cell returns to its resting potential.
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Figure 2.3 (continued) The Neural Impulse Action Potential
In the graph below, voltage readings are shown at a given place on the neuron over a period of 20 or 30 milliseconds
(thousandths of a second). At first the cell is resting; it then reaches threshold and an action potential is triggered. After a brief
hyperpolarization period, the cell returns to its resting potential.
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Sending the Message to Other Cells
LO 2.2 Neuron communication
• Axon terminals
– Branches at the end of the axon
– Synaptic knob
 Rounded areas on the end of axon
terminals
 Synaptic vesicles
– Sack-like structures inside the synaptic
knob
– Contain chemicals called
neurotransmitters
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Sending the Message to Other Cells
LO 2.2 Neuron communication
• Axon terminals
– Neurotransmitters, when released,
affect neighboring cells
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
This electromicrograph shows a motor neuron making contact with muscle fibers.
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Sending the Message to Other Cells
LO 2.2 Neuron communication
• Synapse/synaptic gap
– Fluid-filled space between end axon
terminals of one cell and surface of the
next cell
• Receptor sites
– Ion channels, proteins on dendrite
surface
– Shaped to accept specific
neurotransmitter
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Figure 2.4 The Synapse
The nerve impulse reaches the synaptic knobs, triggering the release of neurotransmitters from the synaptic
vesicles. The molecules of neurotransmitter cross the synaptic gap to fit into the receptor sites that fit the shape
of the molecule, opening the ion channel and allowing sodium ions to rush in.
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Neuron Communication
LO 2.2 Neuron communication
• Neural cells can be turned either on or
off
– Excitatory synapses
 Cause receiving cell to fire
– Inhibitory synapses
 Cause receiving cell to stop firing
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Neuron Communication
LO 2.2 Neuron communication
• Chemical substances affect neural
communication
• Agonists
– Mimic or enhance the effects of a
neurotransmitter on the receptor sites
• Antagonists
– Block or reduce a cell’s response to the
action of other neurotransmitters
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Table 2.1
Some Neurotransmitters and Their Functions
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Cleaning up the Synapse
LO 2.2 Neuron communication
• Reuptake
– Neurotransmitters are taken back into
the synaptic vesicles
– Acetylcholine does not go through
reuptake
 Needs to be available for quick muscle
activity
– Reuptake too slow for process
 Is instead broken down in the synapse by
enzymatic degradation
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Central Nervous System
LO 2.3 Brain and spinal cord
• Part of the nervous system consisting
of the brain and spinal cord
– Brain
 Interprets information from senses
– Spinal cord
 Long bundle of neurons
 Carries messages to and from the body
to the brain
 Also responsible for very fast, lifesaving
reflexes
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
The Reflex Arc: Three Types of Neurons
LO 2.3 Brain and spinal cord
• The reflex arc forms a connection
between a sensory, a motor and an
interneuron
• Sensory neuron
– Carries messages from the senses to
spinal cord
– Also called afferent neuron
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
This electronmicrograph shows a stem cell in the process of becoming a neuron.
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
The Reflex Arc: Three Types of Neurons
LO 2.3 Brain and spinal cord
• Motor neuron
– Carries messages from spinal cord to
muscles and glands
– Also called efferent neuron
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
The Reflex Arc: Three Types of Neurons
LO 2.3 Brain and spinal cord
• Interneuron
– Found in spinal cord and brain
– Receives information from sensory
neurons
– Sends commands to muscles through
the motor neurons
– Make up the bulk of the neurons in the
brain
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Figure 2.6 The Spinal Cord Reflex
The pain from the burning heat of the candle flame stimulates the afferent nerve fibers, which carry the message up to the
interneurons in the middle of the spinal cord. The interneurons then send a message out by means of the efferent nerve fibers,
causing the hand to jerk away from the flame.
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Neuroplasticity
LO 2.3 Brain and spinal cord
• Is the ability to change both the structure
and function of cell involved in trauma
– Implanted nerve fibers from damaged
area
– Damaged spinal nerves grow through
fiber “tunnels”
• Possibility of transplanting stem cells to
repair damaged tissue being explored
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Peripheral Nervous System
LO 2.4 Somatic and autonomic nervous systems
• Consists of nerves and neurons not
contained in the brain and spinal cord
– Nerves run through the organs and
extremities of the body
– Divided into:
 Somatic nervous system
 Autonomic nervous system
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Figure 2.7
The Peripheral Nervous System
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Somatic Nervous System
LO 2.4 Somatic and autonomic nervous systems
• Division of PNS
• Consists of nerves carrying
information:
– From the senses to CNS
– From the CNS to voluntary muscles of
the body
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
These young soccer players are using their senses and voluntary muscles controlled by the somatic division of
the peripheral nervous system. What part of the autonomic nervous system are these girls also using at this
time?
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Somatic Nervous System
LO 2.4 Somatic and autonomic nervous systems
• Division of PNS
– Sensory pathway
 Afferent neurons coming from sensory
organs
– Motor pathway
 Efferent neurons coming from the CNS to
the voluntary muscles
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Autonomic Nervous System
LO 2.4 Somatic and autonomic nervous systems
• Division of PNS
• Functions automatically
– Sympathetic division (fight-or-flight
system)
 Reacts to stressful events and bodily
arousal
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Figure 2.8
Functions of the Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Divisions of the Nervous System
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Autonomic Nervous System
LO 2.4 Somatic and autonomic nervous systems
• Division of PNS
• Functions automatically
– Parasympathetic division
 Restores body to normal functioning after
arousal
 Responsible for the day-to-day
functioning of the organs and glands
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Snowboarder Shaun White of the U.S.A. 2010 Olympics Team won the gold medal in the halfpipe competition in
Vancouver. What part of the autonomic nervous system is likely to be working as Shaun flies through the air, as
in this picture?
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
The Endocrine Glands
LO 2.5 How hormones interact with the nervous system and affect behavior
• Are glands that secrete chemicals called
hormones directly into the bloodstream
• Endocrine communication is slower
than synaptic communication
– Hormones
 Chemicals released into the bloodstream
by endocrine glands
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
The Endocrine Glands
LO 2.5 How hormones interact with the nervous system and affect behavior
• Pituitary gland
– Located in the brain
– Secretes human growth hormone
– Influences all other hormone-secreting
glands (also known as the master
gland)
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Figure 2.9 The Endocrine Glands
The endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, which carries them to organs in the body,
such as the heart, pancreas, and sex organs.
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
The Endocrine Glands
LO 2.5 How hormones interact with the nervous system and affect behavior
• Pineal gland
– Located near the base of the cerebrum
– Secretes melatonin
• Thyroid gland
– Found in the neck
– Regulates growth and metabolism
• Pancreas
– Controls the levels of sugar in the blood
– Secretes insulin and glucagons
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
When the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin, the result is diabetes. Many diabetic people must give
themselves insulin shots to supply enough of the hormone.
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
The Endocrine Glands
LO 2.5 How hormones interact with the nervous system and affect behavior
• Gonads
– Sex glands
– Secrete hormones that regulate sexual
behavior and reproduction
 Ovaries - female gonads
 Testes - male gonads
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
The Endocrine Glands
LO 2.5 How hormones interact with the nervous system and affect behavior
• Adrenal glands
– Located on top of each kidney
– Secrete over 30 different hormones
 Deals with stress
 Regulates salt intake
 Provides secondary source of sex
hormones during adolescence
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Looking Inside the Living Brain
LO 2.6 Study of the brain
• Lesioning studies
– Deep lesioning
 Insertion of a thin, insulated wire into the
brain
 Electrical current destroys brain cells at
tip of wire
– Shallow Lesioning
 Cells are destroyed on the surface of the
brain
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Looking Inside the Living Brain
LO 2.6 Study of the brain
• Electrical stimulation of brain (ESB)
– Mild electrical current passed through
probe
– Causes neurons to react as if had
received a message
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Electrical Stimulation of Brain (ESB)
LO 2.6 Study of the brain
• Deep Brain Stimulation (DSB)
– Electrodes inserted in brain are attached
to a pacemaker-like device
– Helpful in treatment of Parkinson’s
disease
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Electrical Stimulation of Brain (ESB)
LO 2.6 Study of the brain
• transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
(tDCS)
– Uses scalp electrodes to pass very low
amplitude direct currents to the brain
– Changes the excitability of cortical
neurons directly below the electrodes
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
A researcher at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland, uses an electromagnet as part of
an experimental treatment for depression. This treatment, called Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
(rTMS), excites neurons in the brain, triggering activity.
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Mapping Brain Structure
LO 2.6 Study of the brain
• Computed Tomography (CT)
– Multiple X-rays of brain
– Mapping with computer assistance
– Can show stroke damage, tumors,
injuries, abnormal brain structure
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
– More detail than CT scan
– Uses radio waves and magnetic fields to
produce detailed images
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Figure 2.10 Mapping Brain Structure
Fig 2.10a CT scan from an 8-year-old girl with a skull fracture (indicated by the red arrow); Fig 2.10b same CT
scan depicting the brain and swelling associated with the head injury.
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Figure 2.10 (continued) Mapping Brain Structure
Contrast the brain detail of Fig 2.10b with the MRI scan in Fig 2.10c (different, adult individual). Note the scans
are in the horizontal plane, separating the brain into upper and lower portions.
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Figure 2.10 (continued) Mapping Brain Structure
Fig 2.10d uses the same MRI data to provide an estimate of what the left external surface of the brain looks like.
Fig 2.10a, b, & c images created with OsiriX software; 2.10d cortical reconstruction was performed with the
Freesurfer image analysis suite. CT and MRI data courtesy of N. White.
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Mapping Brain Structure
LO 2.6 Study of the brain
• Other techniques with MRI as basis:
– MRI spectroscopy
 Allows researchers to estimate
concentration of chemicals and
neurotransmitters in the brain
– Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)
 Measure connectivity in brain by imaging
white matter tracts
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Mapping Brain Function
LO 2.6 Study of the brain
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
– Electrical activity of brain is amplified
and output is displayed via computer
– Output forms waves that reveal: stages
of sleep, seizures, presence of tumors
– Event Related Potentials (ERPS)
 Measures brain response to stimulus
events
 Allows for study of different stages of
cognitive processing
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Figure 2.11 Mapping Brain Function
Various methods for mapping brain function. An EEG record is shown in 2.11a
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Mapping Brain Function
LO 2.6 Study of the brain
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
– Person is injected with radioactive
glucose
– Metabolism of glucose measured
• Single Photon Emission Computed
Tomography (SPECT)
– Similar to PET
– Uses radioactive tracer to examine brain
blood flow
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Figure 2.11 (continued) Mapping Brain Function
Various methods for mapping brain function. A PET scan image in 2.11b, and an image from an fMRI study in
2.11c.
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Mapping Brain Function
LO 2.6 Study of the brain
• Functional Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (fMRI)
– Computer tracks changes in oxygen
levels of blood
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
The Brain Stem
LO 2.7 Structures of the bottom part of brain
• Medulla
– First large swelling at top of spinal
column
– Responsible for life-sustaining
functions such as breathing,
swallowing, and heart rate
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
The Brain Stem
LO 2.7 Structures of the bottom part of brain
• Pons
– Larger swelling above the medulla
– Connects top of brain to bottom
– Involved in sleep, dreaming, left–right
body coordination, and arousal
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Figure 2.12
The Major Structures of the Human Brain
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
The Brain Stem
LO 2.7 Structures of the bottom part of brain
• Reticular formation (RF)
– Runs through the middle of the medulla
and pons
– Responsible for selective attention,
ignoring repetitive stimuli
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
The Brain Stem
LO 2.7 Structures of the bottom part of brain
• Cerebellum
– Controls and coordinates involuntary,
rapid, fine motor movement.
– Maintains posture, muscle coordination, balance
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
This pitcher must count on his cerebellum to help him balance and coordinate the many fine motor commands
that allow him to pitch the baseball accurately and swiftly. What other kinds of professions depend heavily on the
activity of the cerebellum?
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Structures Under the Cortex
LO 2.8 Structures controlling emotion, learning, memory, and motivation
• Limbic system
– Brain structures located under the
cortex
– Involved in learning, emotion, memory,
and motivation
– Thalamus
 Relays sensory information from the
lower part of the brain to areas of cortex
 Processes some sensory information
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Structures Under the Cortex
LO 2.8 Structures controlling emotion, learning, memory, and motivation
• Limbic system
– Hypothalamus
 Regulates body temperature, thirst,
hunger, sleeping and waking, sexual
activity, emotions
 Controls pituitary gland
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
This young woman’s thirst is regulated by her hypothalamus.
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Structures Under the Cortex
LO 2.8 Structures controlling emotion, learning, memory, and motivation
• Limbic system
– Hippocampus
 Curved structure located within each
temporal lobe
 Responsible for the formation of longterm memories, storage of memory for
location of objects
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Structures Under the Cortex
LO 2.8 Structures controlling emotion, learning, memory, and motivation
• Limbic system
– Amygdala
 Located near the hippocampus
 Responsible for fear responses and
memory of fear
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Structures Under the Cortex
LO 2.8 Structures controlling emotion, learning, memory, and motivation
• Limbic system
– Cingulate Cortex
 Important role in emotional and cognitive
processing
 Implicated in several psychological
disorders such as ADHD, schizophrenia
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Figure 2.13
The Limbic System
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Cortex
LO 2.9 Parts of cortex controlling senses and movement
• Outermost covering of the brain
• Consists of densely packed neurons
• Responsible for higher thought
processes and interpretation of sensory
input
– Corticalization
 Wrinkling of the cortex
 Allows the large area of cortical cells to
exist in the small space inside the skull
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Cerebral Hemispheres
LO 2.9 Parts of cortex controlling senses and movement
• Are the two sections of the cortex on
the left and right sides of the brain.
– Corpus callosum
 Thick band of neurons connecting right
and left cerebral hemispheres.
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Figure 2.14
The Lobes of the Brain: Occipital, Parietal, Temporal, and Frontal
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Four Lobes of the Brain
LO 2.9 Parts of cortex controlling senses and movement
• Occipital lobes
– Visual center of brain
 Primary visual cortex
– Processes visual information from the
eyes
 Visual association cortex
– Identifies, interprets visual information
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Four Lobes of the Brain
LO 2.9 Parts of cortex controlling senses and movement
• Parietal lobes
– Contains centers for touch, taste, and
temperature sensations
 Somatosensory cortex
– Processes information from skin and
internal body receptors for touch,
temperature, body position, and possibly
taste
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Four Lobes of the Brain
LO 2.9 Parts of cortex controlling senses and movement
• Temporal lobes
– Hearing, meaningful speech
– Primary auditory cortex
 Processes auditory information from the
ears
– Auditory association cortex
 Identifies, makes sense of auditory
information
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Four Lobes of the Brain
LO 2.9 Parts of cortex controlling senses and movement
• Frontal lobes
– Higher mental processes, decision
making, production of fluent speech
– Motor cortex
 Sends motor commands to muscles
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Figure 2.15 The Motor and Somatosensory Cortex
The motor cortex in the frontal lobe controls the voluntary muscles of the body. Cells at the top of the motor
cortex control muscles at the bottom of the body, whereas cells at the bottom of the motor cortex control
muscles at the top of the body. Body parts are drawn larger or smaller according to the number of cortical cells
devoted to that body part. For example, the hand has many small muscles and requires a larger area of cortical
cells to control it. The somatosensory cortex, located in the parietal lobe just behind the motor cortex, is
organized in much the same manner and receives information about the sense of touch and body position.
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Figure 2.12
The Major Structures of the Human Brain
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Association Areas of Cortex
LO 2.10 Parts of cortex responsible for higher thought
• Are areas within each lobe of the cortex
• Responsible for:
– Coordination and interpretation of
information
– Higher mental processing
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Association Areas of Cortex
LO 2.10 Parts of cortex responsible for higher thought
• Broca’s Aphasia
– Results from damage to Broca’s area
– Usually in left frontal lobe
– Causes affected person to be unable to
speak fluently
 Mispronounces words, speaks haltingly
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Association Areas of Cortex
LO 2.10 Parts of cortex responsible for higher thought
• Wenicke’s Aphasia
– Left temporal lobe damage
– Speech is fluent but nonsensical
• Unilateral Spatial Neglect
– Result of damage to the parietal lobe
association areas on one side of the
cortex, usually the right side
– Person ignores information from
opposite side of body or visual field
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
As this woman brushes the right side of her hair, is she really “seeing” the left side? If she has spatial neglect,
the answer is “no.” While her eyes work just fine, her damaged right hemisphere refuses to notice the left side of
her visual field.
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Split Brain Research
LO 2.11 Left side and right side of brain
• Robert Sperry (1968)
– Demonstrated left and right
hemispheres of the brain specialize in
different activities and functions
– Corpus callosum severed in patients to
contain epileptic seizures
– Messages are sent to only one side of
the brain
 Two hemispheres cannot coordinate
information
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Figure 2.16 The Split-Brain Experiment
Roger Sperry created this experiment to demonstrate the specialization of the left and right hemispheres of the
brain.
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Table 2.2 Specialization of the Two
Hemispheres
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Understanding ADHD
LO 2.11 Left side and right side of brain
• Developmental disorder involving
behavioral and cognitive aspects
– Inattention, impulsivity, and
hyperactivity
• Some aspects of attention may be
normal with ADHD (Nigg, 2010)
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White
Understanding ADHD
LO 2.11 Left side and right side of brain
• Problem areas for individuals with
ADHD:
– Vigilance
– Staying on task
– Maintaining effort
– Self-control
Psychology: An Exploration, Second Edition
Saundra K. Ciccarelli • J. Noland White