1. Anatomy of the Brain: Part One

About this Lecture

Lecture

In this lecture, we think about how the human brain is structured, focusing in particular on: (i) the division of the brain into the hindbrain, midbrain and forebrain; (ii) their constituent parts; (iii) the role of the medulla oblongata in controlling vital life functions; (iv) the function of the pons in relaying sensory information and the cerebellum in motor planning; (v) the midbrain and the role of the superior and inferior colliculi in vision and hearing; (vi) the forebrain, an area subdivided into the diencephalon and the telencephalon; (vii) two structures located in the diencephalon; (viii) the function of the thalamus as a sensory relay station and the role of the hypothalamus in maintaining homeostasis.

Course

In this course, Mr Kevin Silber (University of Derby) explores the anatomy and function of the human brain. In the first lecture, we look at how the brain is structured. In the second lecture, we think about further brain structures, including the limbic system. In the third lecture, we think about the localisation of different functions in particular areas of the brain. Next, we consider the lateralisation of certain brain processes in the two hemispheres. In the fifth lecture, we look at split-brain research. In the sixth and final lecture, we think about brain plasticity and the recovery of brain function after trauma.

Lecturer

Mr Kevin Silber is a senior lecturer at the University of Derby where he primarily teaches biological psychology modules. Mr Silber is also an AQA A-Level examiner and is involved in authoring texts for A-Level psychology. Having started life as a neuroscientist, Mr Silber’s research interests still lie in biologically oriented topics. However, his main research interest is now focused on body image. Some of Mr Silber’s recent publications include ‘Working memory in children: A developmental approach to the phonological coding of pictorial material’ (2011) and ‘Sexual orientation and the sleep-wake cycle: A preliminary investigation’ (2000).