FUNCTIONAL ORGANISATION OF THE BRAIN AND BRAIN PLASTICITY ALREADY A+ GRADED

This lecture is intended to give you an overview of the organisation of the brain - from the different parts of the neuron to the main lobes of the brain and their respective functions. The concept of brain plasticity is also introduced which is the idea that the brain can be modified by experience or training (and can remodel itself following damage, to a certain extent). Issues for consideration: How is the brain organised? Are certain parts of the brain specialised for certain functions (such as vision or hearing)? How is the body represented in the brain? What is the difference between grey matter and white matter and what are white-matter tracts? How does the human brain differ from the brains of other animals, including our closest relatives such as primates? What are the functional elements of the neuron and how do neurons communicate with each other? Is the brain 'hard-wired' from birth and unchangeable or does it reorganise throughout life on the basis of experience? What have studies of patients with phantom limbs told us about brain plasticity? How else can neuroplasticity be studied in humans?