What Are the Basic Brain Structures and Their Functions?

The Brain
This Animation (Flash) provides a tour of the basic brain structures.

>> go to the The Brain Animation

The Cerebrum
This Animation (Flash) provides a tour of the cerebral hemispheres.

>> go to the Cerebrum Animation

Frontal Lobe Function,
Interview with Robert T. Knight, University of California, Berkeley. Knight describes the functional distinctions among sub-regions of the prefrontal cortex. He also explains how developmental changes in the frontal lobes may correspond to behavior changes. (from Studying The Mind)

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How Is the Brain Divided?

The Divided Brain,
Interview with Michael Gazzaniga, Dartmouth College. Gazzaniga discusses his work with split brain patients, and offers an explanation for the evolution of divided consciousness in the human brain. (from Studying The Mind)

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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
In TMS a small but very powerful magnet is held close to the participant's scalp; the magnetic field passes through the skull or cranium and temporarily disrupts the functioning of the cortical region directly below the magnet. After a brief introduction you will see a video clip that demonstrates the effects of TMS on Broca's Area, and will be presented with follow up thought questions.

>> go to the "TMS activity and video"

Examine Your Handedness
Are you left or right-handed? It may surprise you to learn that your writing hand is not always the best indicator for determining whether you are right or left-handed. This simple inventory is typical of the handedness inventories that researchers use for this purpose.

>> go to the "Handedness Inventory" Activity

Hemispheric Interactions and Aging,
Interview with Patricia Reuter-Lorenz, University of Michigan. Reuter-Lorenz describes the role of the corpus callosum in healthy brain function. She also explains that changes that occur with age may explain differences in the working memory and attention functions of young and older adults. (from Studying The Mind)

>> go to the Interview