Lecture notes Biopsychology 3-4 (PSY1004F)

BIOPSYCHOLOGY Gross Anatomy of The Brain


THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM:
 Cerebrospinal fluid (CFS) – surrounds the brain and spine
 Meninges – pad your brain
 Ventricles – fluid into the brain via these
 Deep inside the brain
 Interconnecting
 Aqueduct of CSF
 Too much fluid = hydrocephalus




MENINGES

 Pia
 Arachnoid
 Dura




MAJOR DIVISIONS




RHIAIN COSLETT

,  Hindbrain
» Develops first
» Basic functions are here
» Brain stem: supports vital function
» Medulla: plays important role in vital functions (breathing,
circulation, HR)
» Pons: carries nerve impulses between levels of NS (sleep &
arousal)
» Cerebellum: motor-coordination centre
 Concerned with muscular movement, coordination &
memory
 Regulates complex movement
 Interrupted by alcohol

 Midbrain (thalamus is here)
» Contains clusters of sensory and motor neurons
 Reticular Formation (gatekeeper): alerts higher centres
of the brain that messages are coming and either blocks or
allows
 Relays information from hind and forebrain
 System of dopamine – releasing neurons originate here
 RAS: group of fibres in the centre of the brain stem that
run between midbrain and hindbrain, active in the
regulation of sleep and being awake. Damage can result in
a coma
 DOPAMINE


RHIAIN COSLETT