NeuroLaw: Introduction to Neuroscience - 2 - Famous Brains

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 Famous Brains module introduces you to a few people who will forever be remembered in the field of neuroscience, and psychology in general, for the impact that their brains have had on our understanding of brain function, neural plasticity in particular, a phenomenon wherein despite suffering severe brain damage or developing a substantial brain tumour, a person is able to maintain or after some time regain certain behavioral functions as the result of functional reorganisation within the brain. Together these Famous Brains provided strong evidence to support the theory of functional localisation, wherein particular areas of the brain play an important role in the performance of particular behaviors and functions. Additional evidence for functional localisation comes from the motor homunculus: a map of the motor cortex created by the pioneering work of Dr. Wilder Penfield who by stimulating the brains of epileptic patients was able to associate motor functions with particular motor areas; fast forward 90 years and now brain stimulation is being used to expedite the brain’s recovery of function by enhancing neural plasticity in stroke patients.

All this and more in the one hour Famous Brains module of the Introduction to Neuroscience microcredential course for NeuroLaw.