Science of the Brain: How the Mind Works
It may seem like the Internet has an overwhelming number of links but it’s really quite simple compared to the human brain, which has roughly 1,000 trillion connections—about the same as the number of leaves on all the trees in a rainforest. Use the Science of the Brain Web Guide to get a head start.
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Expand All Guide SectionsThe Brain and Neuroscience Basics
The U.S. government declared the 1990s the “Decade of the Brain,” and the amount and ... read more »
The Structure and Functions of the Brain
There is such a wealth of information on the Internet on the topics of neuroanatomy (brain structures) and brain functions that typing any of these terms into a search engine will generate tens of thousands of hits. This section can help streamline your search, highlighting some of the best sites on the structure and functions of the brain.
Insights for the Structure and Functions of the Brain
- When researching sites other than those recommended here, it’s a good idea to look for a copyright date at the bottom of the page. New brain research findings are revealed at such a rapid rate that it’s important that the site is fairly current and, even better, if it’s frequently updated.
- If you’re prone to getting queasy, be prepared: Many of the brain images you’ll see are photographs of preserved human (and other animal) brains.
Top Sites for the Structure and Functions of the Brain
To learn about brain structures and brain functions …
BrainSource’s “The Amazing Brain” focuses on the relationship between brain structure and function, a field of science known as functional neuroanatomy. Scroll down to find a number of downloadable PDF maps showing the major divisions and pathways of the brain. Also take a look at the “Web Resources” section for links to other sites that provide tutorials, images and diagrams for learning about neuroanatomy.
Neuroscience Tutorial, created by the Washington University School of Medicine for first-year medical students, covers the functions, connections and various disorders related to each part of the brain, with numerous accompanying images and diagrams.
Centre for Neuro Skills covers the structure of the brain. The clickable “Brain Map” focuses on the effects of damage to various parts of the brain. You’ll get insight into not only the physiological functions but also the behavioral functions of healthy and damaged brain areas.
To view images of the brain …
BrainMaps.org offers countless detailed images of the brain—more than 6,000 images from 15 different species, including humans. Get started by using the site’s Navigation Guide for tips on zooming and explanations of image labels. Or jump right in by browsing the list of species on the left.
Digital Anatomist, created by the University of Washington, is a top-notch site for delving into the anatomy of the brain. Take a look at the Brain Atlas for detailed 3-D images, dissections and animations of all brain sections, and don’t miss the Neuroanatomy Interactive Syllabus for additional images with instructional captions.
Serendip, a site founded by Bryn Mawr College, allows you to slice your way through photographs of actual human, monkey, cat, rat and frog brains. All images are accompanied by explanations that students and nonscientists can understand.
Medical Science 532, a course presented by the University of Idaho, features four photographs that illustrate 27 critical structures of the human brain. Click on a photo for a breakdown of specific structures within that section of the brain. Choose a structure to get more detailed photos and a brief introduction to functions.
Comparative Mammalian Brain Collections, a cooperative effort between the University of Wisconsin, Michigan State University and the National Museum of Health and Medicine, presents images from one of the world's largest collections of well-preserved brains from more than 175 species. Find graphics, photographs and images of stained sections of the brain, as well as additional information about brain evolution, development, circuitry and function.
Neuroscience and Brain Research
Although scientists are only beginning to scratch the surface, new technologies are helping to ... read more »
Neuroscience and Brain Blogs
There are numerous neuroscience and brain blogs on the Web, many of which ... read more »
Teaching Neuroscience and the Brain for Kids
More and more teachers—from elementary to college level—are posting their curricula ... read more »
Improving Brain Fitness and Health
With life expectancy on the rise, it’s becoming increasingly important to preserve cognitive ... read more »
Buying Neuroscience Books and Brain Resources
There are neuroscience books about the brain for laymen, students, scientists and researchers; ... read more »
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