The+Brain

= = = = = = = **The Anatomy of the Neural & Hormonal System (Module 3)**= The brain, as many of you know, communicates to the rest of the body via the nervous system. Its actions may then signal the body to produce some chemicals which will, for example, cause our heart beats to increase and our blood vessels to become dilated. Such is the case when we are frightened and adrenalin is produced in our bodies causing the aforementioned reactions. Signals travel along the axon much the same way dominoes fall. A certain level of power is needed to send a signal, much like the way a base level of force is needed to knock over a domino. And, just like the dominoes, the axon needs a certain amount of time to reset in order for another signal to travel along its path. Do keep in mind, though, that "axon collaterals" can and do speed up the transmission of impulses. This is accomplished by way of myelination. Thus, MS or multiple sclerosis, which means that there is a hardening of this myelin (fatty sheaths that surround the axon bundles) will reduce a person's strength, coordination, speech and vision. Now the good news; MS is rare amongst Asians. It has an environmental determining factor: cold. That means it will be much more common in the northern hemisphere, i.e. Canada. Be sure to see the website for this module at http://bcs.worthpublishers.com/exploringinmodules5e/pages/bcs-main.asp?s=03000&n=00010&i=03010.01&v=&o=&ns=0&t=&uid=3173601&rau=3173601. This will be like your study guide; all the key terms for the entire module are found here. Recommended sites from the author: http://www.neuroguide.com http://www.med.harvard.edu/AANLIB/home.html []

//**HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT #1**//: This is the power point notes for Module 3 only. Use for your own information. Here's a website I recommend your looking at for an idea of how drugs, i.e. cocaine, and alcohol work on the brain. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/closetohome/science/html/animations.html

== =**The Brain (Module 4)**= This is a continuation of this unit of study, this is where you have a major project about the brain. Keep in mind (no pun intended) that this is the most complex organ of the human body. Not only has the brain developed from that of primitive man to yield such capabilities as planning for the future, and the use of language, the brain develops and changes when we learn new things. For example, the brain of an older person that begins playing computer games will, after several months, be different than what it was like before ever taking up Warcraft. (You might suggest this one to your grandparents). Let's face it, the brain is super-complex, but it is very important to psychology to at least have a basic comprehension of its general parts and what each of those parts is able (or should be able) to do. Notes for this module can be found here, please refer to them when and if they are discussed in class:

//**MAJOR ASSIGNMENT (PROJECT MARK) **//
 * Brain for Sale Grading Rubric: [[file:BrainforSaleRubric.php]]**

Monday, August 17, 2009 for Block F, Wednesday, August 19 for Block G FOR NEXT CLASS: PLEASE BRING AN OLD SWIMMING CAP THAT IS A LIGHT COLOR, OR IS WHITE. WE WILL BE DRAWING ON IT SO KEEP THAT IN MIND (NO PUN INTENDED).
 * Please open the above power point (key note, if you will) for just a few minutes I will speak about the brain.
 * Take a look at the following web page http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22556281-661,00.html
 * Open the web page http://www.web-us.com/BRAIN/braindominance.htm and do the quiz to see if you are right or left brain dominant.
 * Brief class discussion: Please prepare a response to the following question. Listen to the class members responses, and (for today's participation grade) use the "discussion" tab to post your conclusion to the question. IN THE FUTURE WHAT SORTS OF SKILLS WILL BE NEEDED AND WHAT SIDE OF THE BRAIN WILL MOST OF THESE SKILLS COME FROM?
 * "The Power of Half" (video) + questions

Thursday, August 20, 2009 Both Blocks
 * Visit http://www.neuroskills.com/
 * Use these questions to lead you through the website.[[file:Chapter 4 Brain InjuryBrain mapping.doc]]

= =