video reflection

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Title
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The Behaving Brain
The video discussed the chemistry of the brain, the brain physiology and how the chemical and physical activity of the brain is measured. The functions of neurons is to receive, process and transmit information gathered. The actions of the neurons determine our behaviors. The information is first collected from the receptors and spread around its dendrites. It is very interesting to learn that neurons never touch; they relay messages through the synaptic gap known as neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released from neurons that cross the synapse and interact with the receptors. Synapses can either be excitatory or inhibitory.
The body’s activities such as beating of the heart, breathing, sleeping, or waking up are controlled by the brain stem. The cerebellum is part of the brain that coordinates our body movements, controls posture and maintains equilibrium. The limbic system is part of the mammalian brain that maintains temperature and blood pressure, regulates emotions, and strives for self-preservation and sexual desire. Hippocampus is the basic information processor that matches the new information with the old. The hypothalamus releases seven hormones to the pituitary gland and acts as a link between the body and brain. The thalamus acts as a relay station. It is in the cerebrum that nerve impulses are interpreted into images, words, symbols, and ideas. (“03 The Behaving Brain”)
The computer techniques that can tell whether a person is schizophrenic, an alcoholic or maniac depressant was so fascinating.

These tests can even detect if a person has Alzheimer’s, dementia or a brain effect in the future. I found it interesting that the activities of neurons in the cortex can be measured using EEG tests. I learned that my brain activity can be studied through neuromeric science. An individual electrical activity can be determined by color on a computer. Earth color means normal. The red color means there is an abnormal activity in the brain. The blue color appears if there is a deficiency in the brain activity. When there are abnormalities, they look as spots of color in certain regions.
The research experiment by Joseph Martinez was very interesting. He trained the rat in a maze to find food by following a certain track. Martinez then introduced a chemical causing the rat to forget its training and could not get the food. I found this very important and a step towards finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. The most interesting research in the video is the chemical research. The chemicals in the brain can control so many things in our lives; pain, depression and even happiness. I have learned that all activities we undertake in our day to day life are controlled by the brain. The point made in the video about endorphins have a significant impact on my life which I never imagined. The confidence and self-esteem I have in swimming sport are as a result of endorphin activity.
Work cited
“03TheBehavingBrain.”Youtube, 2013,www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1320&v=7irx5