• Understand how loss of function in different brain areas can help us study the brain
• Describe the ways that brains can be imaged or scanned

Studying the Brain

Studying the brain involves various methods to understand its functions. Phrenology, a popular study in the 19th century, tried to correlate bumps on the skull with specific brain functions, but this approach has been proven incorrect. However, it influenced modern neuroscience’s understanding that different parts of the brain have specific functions.

Injuries and Lesions

Another method involves studying individuals who have suffered brain damage, such as strokes. Changes in behavior and abilities after brain injuries can help identify the functions of specific brain areas.

The case of Phineas Gage, who experienced frontal lobe damage, illustrates how brain injuries can affect personality and impulse control. While there is some debate about the extent of his personality changes, Gage’s case contributed to the understanding of the frontal lobe’s function. Animal studies and patient populations with brain lesions also provide valuable insights into brain function by observing changes in behavior before and after the damage.

Split Brain Studies

Split-brain patients, whose corpus callosum (the connection between the brain hemispheres) is severed, offer insights into how the brain works. For example, a split-brain patient can only name an object seen in their right visual field with the verbal left hemisphere, while they can draw it with their left hand controlled by the nonverbal right hemisphere. This demonstrates the specialization of brain hemispheres in processing different types of information.

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt. It can occur through developmental processes or in response to damage or injury. The case of reporter Bob Woodruff, who recovered cognitive functions after a traumatic brain injury, highlights the remarkable capacity of the brain to adapt and change throughout life.

Overall, studying the brain involves analyzing converging evidence from various methods, such as studying brain injuries, examining split-brain patients, and understanding neuroplasticity, to gain insights into its functions and capabilities.

Imaging the Brain

Watch this video to review the different methods that can be used to image the brain:

You can view the transcript for “2-Minute Neuroscience: Neuroimaging” here (opens in new window).

Watch this video to better understand what the science behind a brain scan is:

You can view the transcript for “How do brain scans work? – John Borghi and Elizabeth Waters” here (opens in new window).