Description
Choose two parts of the brain described in the video above (Getting to Know Your Brain). Think about how their functions might be related. Describe how a neuron in one structure might depend on what is happening in a neuron in the other structure.
The amygdala and the hypothalamus are both part of the limbic system. The amygdala is formed by “two lima-bean-sized clusters of neurons, involved in memory consolidation and emotion” (CrashCourse, 2014). The hypothalamus “regulates body temperature, circadian rhythms, and hunger, helps govern the endocrine system” (CrashCourse, 2014). I think of the hypothalamus helping in the regulation of emotions triggered by the amygdala. For example, in a stressful situation the amygdala will tell the hypothalamus to react. The hypothalamus goes into action by sending signals to the rest of the limbic system to combat the “dangers” detected by the amygdala.
Draw a conclusion about the way we localize functions in the brain: Was Broca justified in labeling a speech center in the brain with so few patients? How many brains are necessary to draw a conclusion? What does localization mean, after all? There is no strictly right or wrong answer to this question, only thoughtful responses.
Describe an example in your own experience of misattributing a body function to a mental function or misattributing a mental function to a body function.
For example, did doing chores as a kid really make you tired?
References:
CrashCourse. (2014, February). Meet Your Master – Getting to Know Your Brain: Crash Course Psychology #4 [Video]. YouTube.
Neuro Transmissions. (2015, February). Three Lesions, Three Lives: Brain Lesions That Changed Science [Video]. YouTube.
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