NeuroLaw: Introduction to Neuroscience - 1 - Brain Anatomy

The Introduction to Neuroscience microcredential course is offered by the Michigan State University Neuroscience and Law program for students and working professionals with an interest in learning how neuroscience can be applied to their role in the crimimal justice system, whether it be law enforcement, criminal investigation, forensics, social work, or in the courtroom.

The Brain Anatomy module serves as an introduction to what the brain is and how it works. This module will start with the basics of anatomy and functional subsystems in the brain, meaning what are the different parts of the brain and what do they do, in addition to the terminology that is used to describe where all the different parts of the brain are located. The brain is not a single entity; rather it consists of billions of cells which in the brain are referred to as neurons, so we’ll talk about what those neurons are and how they communicate with each other. Also important is knowing the vasculature of the brain, in other words how blood travels throughout the brain, particularly when it comes to interpreting functional magnetic resonance images which are based upon relative amounts of blood oxygenation.

All this and more in the two hour Brain Anatomy module of the Introduction to Neuroscience microcredential course for NeuroLaw.