First Lecture | Myndbook

First lecture

Approximation

The brain approximates and predicts many things. Until something goes wrong, brain does this in subconscience

Eye

Can only see letters and color in a very narrow range. The illusion of the other colors in peripherals is the brain sampling images with your fovea.

Approximation

Historical View

Tab

Art

Depicts contemporary views of the brain (removing the stone of folly - not possible)
Models

Localization of functions

Went wild for a while. Contemporary magazines also make up some random stuff about the brain.

Evolution

Origin of Species

All species came from one primordial form.

Measurements of electrical activity and metabolic activity

Gross potential measured on the skull.

CT, MRI, PET - detect changes in blood flow as a result of change in brain

Homologous structures

Have a common ancestor (built b same genes, in same relative location, same functions - look in brain for similarities as well)

Brains also have homologous structures.

Conclusion

Brain of closely related animals look similar.

Size of specialized brain regions reflects their importance.

Methods for discovering brain functions

Phineas Gage

Rod thru the skull. Survived - but forever changed attitude. Realized frontal lobe affects attitude e

Injury/pathology

Accidental damage (autopsy)

Intentional damage