2. Introduction The brain is the largest organ in the body. Part of the central nervous system along with the spinal cord. Regulates various internal and external body functions http://www.simpsonstrivia.com.ar/simpsons-photos/wallpapers/homer-simpson-wallpaper-brain-1024.jpg
3. Anatomy of the Brain Hypothalamus: controls and regulates multiple body systems. Regulates the release of hormones to the pituitary gland. Pituitary Gland: secretes and regulates many necessary hormones. Brain Stem: communicates between spinal cord and brain. Spinal Cord: carries impulses from the brain to the rest of the body. Cerebellum: coordinates voluntary body movements. Pineal Gland: secretes the hormone melatonin which regulates the sleep cycle http://www.cksinfo.com/clipart/medicine/anatomy/brain-diagram-1.png Cerebrum: the biggest and oldest part of the brain. Major center for integration of higher brain function
5. How Do We Know So Much about the Brain? Electroencephalography (EEG) -Records the brain’s activity by using electrodes. -Often used in “sleep studies” to help understand any sleep problems that a patient is having. Positron-Emission Tomography (PET) -detects areas of intense chemically active tissue -Can measure oxygen and glucose uptake, blood flow, etc. -Measures metabolic activity of the tissue -Helps doctors detect tumors in the brain Magnetoencephalography (MEG) -Maps brain activity by using magnetic fields and the brain’s own electrical currents. -Helps doctors identify various disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
6. Common Brain Disorders -Alzheimer’s disease: mental disorders usually affecting older adults. Mainly consists of dementia and loss of memory -Schizophrenia: mental disorder that involves a misconception of reality marked by hallucinations and delusions. -Cerebral Palsy (CP): brain damage that was usually a result of some trauma that occurred during birth
7. Various Treatments Drug Therapy Using various pharmaceuticals to treat mental disorders. Some general categories are antidepressants, anti-anxiety and stimulants. Cognitive-Behavior Therapy Psychoanalytical therapy that uses a systematic approach to solve various psychotic disorders
8. Resources Campbell, Reece. Biology. 6th ed. San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings, 2002: 1040-1053. Fremgen, Frucht. Medical Terminology: A Living Language. 4th ed. New Jersey: Pearson Education, 2009: 386-408. Wright, Jesse H. “Cognitive-Behavior Therapy.” Review of Psychiatry. 23.3 (2004): 1-15.