The Brain, Genetics, & Evolution Knowledge Organizer

Here’s a knowledge organizer I’ve created of the most essential terms for areas of the brain and concepts of genetics and evolution in an introductory psychology course. These knowledge organizers are designed to help you identify the most important factual … Read More

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

In this video I explain the concept of long-term potentiation, which refers to the strengthening of neural connections due to repeated synchronous firing. Repeated firing leads to changes in chemical signaling between the two neurons, influencing neurotransmitter and receptor activity. … Read More

Biology of Memory: The Hippocampus

In this video I introduce the biology of memory and the role of the hippocampus on long-term memory formation. I discuss several cases of severe memory loss including patients H.M. and E.P., who suffered anterograde amnesia and cannot form new … Read More

Olfaction: Sense of Smell

In this video I explain the process of transduction for scent; how odorant molecules in the air can trigger different olfactory receptor neurons which then send messages to the rhinencephalon or “nose brain”. I mention the links between scent, emotion, … Read More

Parts of the Brain: Forebrain – Cerebral Cortex

In this video I continue explaining parts of the brain and focus on the cerebral cortex. The cortex is the thin, wrinkled, outer covering of the brain and the wrinkles and folds create gyri, sulci, and fissures. The cortex is … Read More

Parts of the Brain: Forebrain – Subcortical Structures

In this video I continue covering parts of the brain and move to the subcortical structures of the forebrain including the thalamus, pituitary gland, limbic system (hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala), basal ganglia, and corpus callosum. I also mention the Genes … Read More

Parts of the Brain: Midbrain Structures

In this video I continue covering parts of the brain, explaining regions of the midbrain including the tegmentum, the substantia nigra, and the tectum. I also discuss the limitations of using 2D images when learning about brain structures, the use … Read More

Parts of the Brain: Hindbrain Structures

In this video I explain the main regions of the brain: the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, as well as the difference between the “old” and “new” brain in evolutionary terms. Then the location and function of four main areas of … Read More

Brain Scanning and Imaging Techniques

In this video I briefly explain how information can be collected about the structure and function of a living brain using scanning and imaging techniques including EEG, CAT scan, PET scan, MRI, fMRI, and DTI. Don’t forget to subscribe to … Read More