Product Description
The Brain and Behaviour ebook provides a fascinating insight into the functions of the human brain. From understanding the human brain, human anatomy & behaviour, chemistry, brain damage and memory, this ebook is an interesting read.
The human brain is an amazing piece of architecture. Weighing in at an average of just 3 pounds, or 1.3kg, our brains have evolved to be the most complex organs on the planet, and they are more organised than the entire cosmos. It is estimated that they contain 100 billion neurons and there are some 100 trillion connections between them. It is perhaps not surprising that studying the brain has been the life’s work of so many eminent scientists. Some would argue that given their intricacy, our brains are not even capable of understanding themselves.
Table of Contents:
CHAPTER 1 UNDERSTANDING THE HUMAN BRAIN
The Biology of the Brain
How Can Studying Animals Help?
Who is Interested in the Brain?
Biopsychology
Neuropsychology
Psychopharmacology
Psychology
Psychiatry
Cognitive Neuroscience
The Mind-Brain Problem
Monism
Dualism
Compromises
What Do Psychologists Think?
Brain Studies
Electrical Stimulation
Mind over Matter
Identity Theory
Emergent Interactionism
CHAPTER 2 BRAIN ANATOMY & BEHAVIOUR
The Structure of the Brain
Forebrain
Midbrain
Hindbrain
Divisions of the Brain
Lateralisation
The Lobes
The Normal Functioning of the Brain
Case Studies
Brain Plasticity and the Impact of Behaviour
Brain Development from Embryo to Death
CHAPTER 3 BRAIN CHEMISTRY & ELECTRONICS
How Neurons Transmit Messages
Neurochemistry
Neurons
Neurochemicals
Neurotransmitters
Neurons in Detail
Diet and Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters and Behaviour
Drugs and Neurotransmitters
Ways of Detecting and Studying Brain Chemistry and Electrical Activity
Practical Benefits of Measuring Brain Chemistry and Electrical Activity
CHAPTER 4 BIOLOGY & NEUROLOGY IN LEARNING & MEMORY
Biopsychology & Neurology of Learning
Memory
How is Memory Organised?
Case Studies – Memory
Another example
Dementia
Practical Benefits of Studying Memory
CHAPTER 5 BRAIN DAMAGE
Brain Damage & Neuropsychology
Brain Lesions
Causes of Brain Lesions
Tumours
Cerebral Disorders (Stroke)
Ischemia
Haemorrhage
Pathology of Brain Injury
Contusions
White matter damage
Concussion
Intracranial haemorrhages
Oedema
Environmental Factors
Practical Benefits in Daily Life
CHAPTER 6 ASSESSMENT & OUTCOMES OF BRAIN DAMAGE
Types of Brain Injury
Sequelae of Brain Injury
Physical Outcomes
Behavioural Outcomes
Cognitive Changes
Sexual Functioning
Why do these changes occur?
Initial Assessment
Assessment Interview
Checklists
Assessment of Current Psychological Functioning
The Mental Sate Examination (MSE)
Further Testing
Brain Functioning Tests
Assessment and Outcome – Practical Benefits in Daily Life
CHAPTER 7 TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT OF BRAIN DAMAGE
What is Appropriate Treatment?
Patient-Clinician Relationship
Patient Compliance
Treating Brain Lesions
Outcomes of Treatment
Developing Management Plans
Ending Treatment
CHAPTER 8 APPLICATIONS OF NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Assessment & Rehabilitation
Brain Studies and Children
Other Applications of Research into Brain & Behaviour
Practical Benefits in Daily Life
Aged Care
Business Applications
Fitness
Technology
Conclusion
APPENDIX