Studying the Brain’s Structure and Functions: Spying on the Brain

The Central Core: Our “Old Brain”

The Limbic System: Beyond the Central Core

The Cerebral Cortex: Our “New Brain”

The Motor Area of the Cortex

The Sensory Area of the Cortex

The Association Areas of the Cortex

The Specialization of the Hemispheres: Two Brains or One?

The Split Brain: Exploring the Two Hemispheres

Key concepts for Module 7:

Name the techniques used to map and study the brain.

Name the components of the central core and describe the functions of its individual parts.

Name the major areas of the limbic system and describe the roles of each area in behavior.

Name the major areas of the cerebral hemispheres, especially the lobes and the cortex areas, and describe the roles of each area in behavior.

Understand the concept of neuroplasticity and the fact that the brain can repair itself throughout life.

Discuss the issues involved with brain specialization, brain lateralization, and the split-brain operation, including what has been learned about the two hemispheres from that procedure.

Discuss differences in brain lateralization as influenced by gender and culture.