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Isaac Sotomayor
Professor Bhadha
Psychology 1H #35091
9 April 2018
Bio Psych Homework

Summaries-

The Brain (Beginner): Description of the brain’s appearance (looks like a cauliflower) and some

the things that are possible because of it (think, plan, talk, imagine, etc.). The brain’s abilities are

credited to its 86 billion nerve cells. Explanation of the two halves (hemispheres) of the brain

and how the left hemisphere controls the right side and the right hemisphere controls the left

side. An image of the brain also shows the occipital lobes of the brain. The need for the brain to

fold unto itself is due to its size and need to fit into the skull. The size of an unfolded brain is

compared to a large pizza. The brain, spinal cord, and nerves are the nervous system. The

nervous system is used by the brain to keep it informed of the body’s needs and the resources in

the environment that can satisfy them. The central nervous system is the brain and the spinal

cord. The skull and the spinal cord are compared to suits of armor for the nervous system. The

peripheral nervous system consists of the nerves gather information or transmit orders.

The Brain (Intermediate):

Introduction to limbic lobes and how they are also known as cingulate gyri. Overview of the

layers of matter ranging from skin, skull, dura mater, arachnoid, pla mater, and the cortex itself.

Dura mater, arachnoid, and pla mater are known as meninges. Meninges get infected and are in

direct connect with the brain are reasons why meningitis is dangerous. The brain and spinal cord

are bathed in cerebro-spinal fluid. Cerebro-spinal fluid provides further protection by cushioning
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blows. Cerebro-spinal fluid also flows downward and carries toxic wastes and moves hormones

between the regions of the brain. Images of the central nervous system, somatic nervous system,

and the autonomous nervous system. The nerves in the somatic nervous system contribute to the

organism’s relationship with the external environment. The sensory detectors in the body send

the information to the brain and allow us to respond to stimuli in the environment. The

autonomic nervous system regulates the internal vital functions such as digestion, respiration,

blood circulation, excretion, and the secretion of hormones. The central nervous system, or grey

matter, is composed of neurons and a network of dendrites. The centre of the spinal cord and the

cortex constitute grey matter. Myelin that sheathes axons are white matter and it is these sheathes

that allow for higher conductivity and faster impulses. Myelinated axons bundle together and

make connections with other groups of neurons.

Level of Organization (Cellular):

Introduces neurons, one of the two types of cells in the nervous system, and credits them for

making us “clever”. Neurons have a surrounding membrane around their cytoplasm and a

nucleus to contain its genes. The organelles found in Neurons allow for the production of energy

and the manufacture of protein. The two distinguishes features of neurons are Dendrites and

Axons. Dendrites gather information and then relay it to the neuron’s cell body. Axons carry

information away from the neuron’s cell body towards other neurons. Connections between

neurons are known as synapses. Axons can stimulate other types of cells. Glial cells provide

neurons with nourishment, physical support, protection, dispose waste materials of dead neurons.

Through acting as an insulating sheath around certain axons, glial cells can increase the

conductivity of the neuron. Specialized glial cells are responsible for the aforementioned

functions.
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Response to the Site-

I was initially confused by the layout of the site, but once I understood where the navigation

links were it became much easier to sift through the information. I explored the site after

completing the summaries and found the site map to be an efficient way of gaining quick access

to what the site offers. The way the information is organized through subsections like beginner,

intermediate, and advanced is probably a great way to avoid overwhelming some people, while

also providing a higher degree of information to others. As a whole, I like the site now that I

understand how to navigate it. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that there could be initial

confusion on how to navigate it at first, but I did receive a pleasant “aha!” moment once I figured

it out, so I think it’s worth giving a close look.