Brain and Behaviour

Brain and Behaviour

CHAPTER 1: WHAT ARE THE ORIGINS OF BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR?
Main points
What a brain is, how the nervous system is organised, and what is meant by behaviour
Historical outlooks: Aristotle, Descartes, Darwin
How the human brain has developed (evolution)
Comparisons between animal and human brains as well as between the size and capability of the brain
Special focus on
a) brain function and brain damage 
b) learning difficulties

Comments and notes
Note that the nervous system consists of two different types of cells:
Neurones (nerve cells) of different appearance and size, with fibres/outgrowths that can contact other cells. 
Glial cells, which are also found in great numbers in the brain, many more than the number of neurones.
The brain cells, the neurones, communicate with each other, but some of them also have contact with other parts of the body, receiving or sending messages. These contacts mostly pass through the spinal cord. Brain and spinal cord (protected by bone) are together called the central nervous system.
When nerve threads leave the spinal cord they are part of the peripheral nervous system. The entire system thus consists of the central and the peripheral nervous system. A sub-component of the peripheral nervous system is called the autonomous nervous system. More on this in Kolb & Whishaw, for instance on page 4. The section on the perspectives of Aristotle and Descartes (pp. 6-8), as well as what is said about Darwin and the evolution of the brain, is important (pp. 8-32).
A general statement, which applies to all lessons and all chapters of the course book: Do not forget to always read the Summary after each chapter.
Check that you also understand those concepts that have been introduced in the chapter. They are listed after the Summary under Key terms.
One or a few website tips is listed under Extend and deepen at the end of each lesson.

CHAPTER 2: HOW DOES THE NERVOUS SYSTEM FUNCTION?
Main points
An overview of the brain's...

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