The Brain and Behaviors – Behavioral sciences explore the cognitive processes within organisms and the behavioral interactions between organisms in the natural world. It involves the systematic analysis and investigation of human and animal behavior through the study of the past, controlled and naturalistic observation of the present and disciplined scientific experimentation and modeling.
It attempts to accomplish legitimate, objective conclusions through rigorous formulations and observation. Generally, behavior science deals primarily with human action and often seeks to generalize about human behavior as it relates to society.
The Brain and Behaviors
Brain is the portion of the central nervous system that is located within the skull. It functions as a primary receiver, organizer, and distributor of information for the body. It has a right half and a left half, each of which is called a hemisphere.
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The brain lies within the skull and is shaped like a mushroom. The brain weighs approximately 1.3 to 1.4 kg. It has nerve cells called the neurons and supporting cells called the glia. There are two types of matter in the brain: grey matter and white matter.
Parts of Brain:
The brain consists of four principal parts:
1. The brain stem
- Midbrain
- Pons
- Medulla oblongata,
2. The cerebrum
3. The cerebellum
4. The diencephalon
A. The brain stem
The brain stem is also known as the Medulla oblongata. It is located between the pons and the spinal cord and is only about one inch long.
B. The cerebrum
The cerebrum forms the bulk of the brain and is supported on the brain stem. The cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres. Each hemisphere controls the activities of the side of the body opposite that hemisphere.
The hemispheres are further divided into four lobes:
- Frontal lobe
- Temporal lobes
- Parietal lobe
- Occipital lobe
Figure: The Brain. Sagittal section, medial view.
C. The cerebellum
This is located behind and below the cerebrum.
D. The diencephalon
The diencephalon is also known as the fore brain stem. It includes the
- Thalamus and
- Hypothalamus
The thalamus is where sensory and other impulses go and coalesce. The hypothalamus is a smaller part of the diencephalon
Function of Brain:
A. Cerebral Cortex –
- Thought, voluntary movement, language, reasoning and perception are the major functions of the cerebral cortex.
B. Cerebellum –
- The major functions of the cerebellum are maintenance of movement, balance and posture
D. Brain stem or Medulla oblongata –
- This area is vital for life as it controls breathing, heart rate and blood pressure.
E. Thalamus –
- Works by integrating sensory information and motor information.
- The thalamus receives sensory information and relays this information to the cerebral cortex.
F. Limbic System –
- These help in controlling the emotional response.
- The hippocampus is also important for learning and memory.
G. Basal Ganglia –
- This part works in maintaining balance and movements.
H. Midbrain –
- This part of the brain has sites controlling vision, hearing, eye movement and general body movement.
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