There exists a progression of processing that starts at lower-level areas of the brain and moves to higher-level areas. These lower-level areas respond to simple stimuli and send their feedback to areas in charge of more complex tasks in pursuit of eventually forming a representation.

Hierarchical Processing

Different cognitive processes take different paths through the brain. Some notable pathways are:
- the what pathway
- the where pathway
- perception pathway
- action pathway

Pathways in the brain

Specific areas of the brain serve different specific functions

Localization of function

The interacting brain regions that are engaged when we are not working on a task or focused on the external world. The same regions are active when we think about people (so our default thoughts are often about people).

Default mode network

A group of subcortical nuclei, that is well connected with the cerebral cortex, thalamus, and brainstem. It is associated with control of voluntary motor movements, procedural learning, habit learning, eye movements, cognition, and emotion. Stores habits even when the rest of the brain is "asleep". (It is the red region in the image; blue = related structures).

Basil Ganglia (basil nuclei)

The brain is divided into three primary sections based on their relative size and position: the forebrain, the midbrain, and the hindbrain. The forebrain is the largest portion of the brain, while the midbrain is a smaller section located centrally. The hindbrain is situated in the lower back part of the brain.

Three Main Parts of the Brain

* Phineas Gage 
* Henry Molaison (H.M.)
* John Nash
* Clive Wearing
* James Wannerton

Influential Case Studies in Brain Function and Behavior

The meninges are the membrane layers that protect the surrounds the brain. They are found beneath the skull.

Meninges

A central task for psychologists is to understand the relationship between the body's internal biological processes and their external psychological expressions. For instance, a key challenge is explaining how the complex activity of millions of neurons in the brain translates into a subjective experience like a thought. This is analogous to understanding how a device's internal circuits and microchips produce the functions we observe on its user interface.

The Mind-Body Connection as a Focus of Psychology

Although distinct lobes and areas of the brain are associated with specific functions, they do not operate in isolation. All brain regions interact and communicate with one another, and this integrated activity forms the basis for our thoughts and behaviors.

Interaction of Brain Areas

The extensive study of individuals with brain damage has been a primary method for gathering information about the functional roles of different areas of the brain.

Studying Brain Damage to Understand Brain Function

Brain imaging techniques provide a non-invasive way to study the brain's functions, complementing insights gained from analyzing brain injuries. These methods can be applied to healthy individuals to obtain information about how different parts of the brain operate, often relying on radiation, magnetic fields, or electrical activity.

Brain Imaging Techniques

The expanded, front section of the central nervous system located within the skull. It is an incredibly intricate organ made up of billions of interconnected neurons and glial cells. The brain is a bilateral structure, meaning it has two sides, and can be divided into distinct lobes. Each lobe is linked to specific functions, but all parts of the brain work together to underpin our thoughts and behaviors.

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Columbia University

University of Wisconsin - Madison

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

- Levels of analysis
- Neurons
- Brain
- Learning and Memory
- Attention and Higher Cognition
- Language and Lateralization

Focuses of cognitive neuroscience

- Brain
- Neurons
- Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
- Neurological diseases
- Central nervous system (CNS)

Focuses of neuroscience (neurobiology) 

Biopsychology involves the study of:
* Human Genetics
* Cells of the Nervous System
* Parts of the Nervous System
* The Brain and Spinal Cord
* The Endocrine System

Areas of Biopsychological Study

Comprising the brain and the spinal cord, the Central Nervous System (CNS) serves as a primary division of the broader nervous system. Anatomical illustrations highlight its centralized location within the human body.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Wikipedia

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). APA Dictionary of Psychology. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/ 

APA Dictionary of Psychology

https://commons.wikimedia.org

This is a repository of free electronic media.

Wikimedia Commons

Topics can be studied from many perspectives, which can all yield their own respective insight into the bigger picture (each can contribute a new "dimension" of understanding).

Levels of analysis

Functioning as the central building blocks and core information processors of the nervous system, neurons are interconnected cells essential for all tasks the system performs. The human brain contains around 100 billion neurons at birth. Their role encompasses everything from simple reflexes to complex cognitive functions.

Neurons

Brain

- Functional perspecitves on learning and memory
- Brain regions for Nondeclarative memory
- Neural mechanisms of memory storage
- How Learning and Memory changes with Age 
- Consolidation of Memories

Learning and Memory

Language is a highly specialized form of communication. Most language is lateralized in the left hemisphere of the brain, while the right side deals with spatial cognition.

Language and Lateralization

Attention is the process by which we select or focus on specific stimuli for better processing and analysis.

Attention and Higher Cognition

- Functional perspectives on learning and memory
- Brain regions for Nondeclarative memory
- Neural mechanisms of memory storage
- How Learning and Memory changes with Age

Nervous system diseases affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves. These include structural, biochemical and electrical damages. Below are a few lists of diseases covered in 1Cademy:
- Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS)
- Encephalopathy
- Anosmia
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Paralysis
- Ageusia

Neurological Diseases

The peripheral nervous system are all nerve components (nerve, ganglia) outside of the brain and spinal cord. The word "peripheral" describes its function in connecting limbs and organs to the central nervous system. It is functionally divided into two components:
- somatic nervous system
- autonomic nervous system

Peripheral Nervous System

The central nervous system consists mainly of the brain and spinal cord.  Messages are relayed between the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Central Nervous System

Neurological Disorders

Functioning as the vital link between the brain and the external world, the spinal cord acts as an intelligent relay station. It is responsible for routing messages between the brain and the body through all of its segments, and it also independently manages a system of automatic processes known as reflexes.

Spinal Cord

The endocrine system is a network of glands responsible for secreting hormones that regulate normal bodily functions.

Endocrine System

Psychologists who aim to study the human mind require a basic understanding of the two primary subdivisions of the nervous system:
- Central Nervous System (CNS)
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) 

Parts of the Nervous System

The spinal cord can be conceptualized as an extension of the brain. It serves as the primary pathway for communication, enabling the brain to influence and interact with the rest of the body and the external environment.

The Brain and the Spinal Cord

Psychologists study genetics to better understand the biological foundations of behavior. Although humans share common biological mechanisms and structures, such as brains, hormones, and genetic codes, these elements are expressed in a vast diversity of individual behaviors, thoughts, and reactions. This field explores how inherited traits contribute to this uniqueness and influence both physiological and psychological characteristics.

Human Genetics

The nervous system is comprised of two primary cell types: neurons and glial cells. Neurons act as the main information processors, and the communication between them is essential for all nervous system functions. Glial cells, or glia, primarily serve in supporting roles for the neurons.

Cells of the Nervous System

Tight cell junctions of the blood vessel endothelia of the central nervous system, which prevent microbes from entering the bloodstream leading to the brain and cerebrospinal fluid. Infection of the CNS can lead to fatal inflammation.

Blood-Brain Barrier

Based on the scenario below, identify the major division of the nervous system primarily responsible for integrating the sensory information, making the decision, and initiating the complex motor response. Explain your reasoning.

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