MODULE 6 Lesson 6: The Power of the Mind

THE BRAIN AND ITS HEMISPHERES

–“ The most complex living structure on the universe” Society for Neuroscience
–The brain and the Spinal Cord is located in the Central Nervous System (CNS)
–The average weight of the brain is three (3) pounds or 1,350 grams and has a jelly like consistency.
–Has two hemispheres, the LEFT HEMISPHERE and the RIGHT HEMISPHERE which are responsible for different
skills.

LEFT HEMISPHERE

- The left side of the brain is responsible for controlling the right side of the body. It also performs tasks that have
to do with logic, such as in science and mathematics like calculations.

The Left brain or Left hemisphere

Logic
Analysis
Linear
Mathematics
Language
Facts
Think on words
Words of songs
Computation

RIGHT HEMISPHERE

- The right brain is dominant for spatial abilities, face recognition, visual imagery and music. The right side of the
brain is responsible for controlling the left side of the body and may be more dominant for creativity, imagination,
rhythm, feelings.

The Right brain or Right hemisphere

Creativity
Imagination
Holistic Thinking
Intuition
Arts
Rhythm
Non verbal
Feelings
Visual sensation
Tune of songs
Day dreaming

FOUR LOBES OF THE BRAIN

FRONTAL LOBE

–It is one of the area of the cerebral cortex that is located in the front and top of the brain.
–Its functions include:
–higher mental processes
–decision making
–recognition and formulation of speech
–involuntary motor movements
–known as the Brocas’ area (named after Paul Broca)

TEMPORAL LOBE

–Areas of the cerebral cortex located just behind the temples

–Contains the neurons responsible for:
–Sense of hearing
–Meaningful speech
–It is also responsible for explicit memory
–known as the Wernicke’s area (named after Carl Wernicke)

OCCIPITAL LOBE

–located at the rear bottom of each cerebral hemisphere

–Containing the visual centers of the brain

PARIETAL LOBE

–Located at the top and back of each cerebral hemisphere

–It controls touch,
–Taste, and
–Temperature sensations

Activities that can enhance the Right Brain and the Left brain
Left
 Puzzles
 Taking advance courses in mathematics
 Reading books
 Declaiming or public speaking
Right
 Dancing
 Painting or crafting
 Playing instrument

NEUROTRANSMITTERS

Are chemicals that carry messages across the synapses or cell body of a receiving neuron.

SEROTONIN – involved in mood, sleep, and appetite.

DOPAMINE – controls sensory experiences involving pleasure.
ACETYLCHOLINE – controls the arousal, attention, memory, and muscle contractions of the body.
ENDORPHINS – involved in pain relief.
NOREPINEPHRINE – involved in arousal and mood.
GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) – involved in sleep and inhibits movement.
6. Oxytocin- regulates social interaction and sexual reproduction; referred as the “love hormone”.
WHAT ARE GLANDS?

GLANDS- an organ in the human or animal body that secretes particular chemical substances, called hormones, for
use in the body of for discharge into the surroundings.

Divided into 2 groups based on their function:

1. EXOCRINE GLANDS- secrete substances out of the body

2. ENDOCRINE GLANDS- secrete substances that circulate through the blood stream.
GLANDS AND HORMONES

1. ENDOCRINE GLAND – produce chemicals called hormones. These hormones are secreted directly into
the bloodstream and influence the activities and functions of the muscles and organs and different glands.

2. PITUITARY GLAND – is attached at the base of the brain. It secretes growth hormone and other important
hormones. It is sometimes called the “master gland”.

3. Pineal gland is also located near to the center of the brain. It produces melatonin which is a hormone that
affects the wake-sleep pattern.

4. Thyroid gland is located in the base of the neck. It regulates growth and development by producing
thyroxin.

5. Pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen, behind the stomach. It produces hormones such as insulin
which turn controls the level of sugar in the blood. Hypoglycemia results if there is a low level of sugar.
Diabetes results if there is too little insulin.

6. Adrenal glands can be found on the topmost part of the kidneys. It controls the stress reaction through the
adrenal medulla's production of adrenaline. The adrenal cortex secretes many different kinds of hormones
which can help in regulating salt intake, stress and sexual development.

7. Gonads are reproductive glands which are ovaries (in women)or testes (in men). They produce hormones to
controls sexual growth and reproduction.