Farther into the Brain

We learned about the technology that helps us see further into the brain:
There is the EEG which measures our brain waves. It depends on the different electricity being emitted for scientists to figure things out.
There is the X-Ray which shows us the "big picture" of the brain, but you can't determine from the functions of the brain.
There is the CT-Scan which are series of x-rays through a circular machine. It layers the picture of the brain for a more 3D effect. You cannot see the soft tissue or determine the function, but you can see the external shapes.
There is the MRI which allows you to see the soft tissue and the internal structure.
There is the fMRI which shows which part of the brain is being utilized.
Finally, there is the PET scan which a person would drink radioactive glucose and parts of the brain that would be used would show more glucose.

I think that it is very interesting what technology can actually do. Parents these days are always freaking out at us for using our technology, when really it's the advances in technology that got us to where we are today. There is so much that we can do now with all these devices. I think that parents should stop yelling at us for always doing something with technology. You never know, it could be any of us to come us with the newest invention.

Then we learned about some the different parts of the brain and their functions:
We learned about the brainstem, which is what keeps us living. It is involved in breathing and heartbeat.
The medulla which is responsible for heart beating and lungs pumping
The pons which plays a role in sleep, dreaming, how your body is moving, regulation, and blood flow.
Reticular formation which are strands found within medulla and pons that are responsible for sleep and arousal.
The Cerebellum which coordinates balance and movement
The midbrain-hindbrain-forebrain includes the limbic system and thalamus
The Thalamus sits on top of he brainstem and the messages are relayed to the part of the brain where they need to go
The limbic system is responsible for emotion
The hippocampus is responsible for factual memory and memory for events
The Amygdala are responsible for aggression and fear
The Hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland-the pleasure center
The Pituitary gland controls all the other glands

It is so amazing how detailed and exact the brain is and how it functions. All the parts come together to make the brain function. They also work so quickly and orderly because everything we do is our brain moving and processing.