In this chapter, you’ve learned a lot of details about the brain: its bottom-to-top and left/ right organization; networks that connect its distinct regions; the functioning of its individual cells; and the brain’s connections to the peripheral nervous system and endocrine system. But don’t focus only on the details. Recall the reason for learning all these brain facts.

In psychology, brain research is important because it enhances our understanding of people: their thoughts, feelings, and actions. Every chapter in this book contains information about the brain. In every branch of psychology, researchers try to deepen their understanding of people’s experiences and the mind’s powers by learning more about the brain’s neural and biochemical systems. By learning more about what the brain is like, we learn more about what people are like, too.

Chapter Review Now that you have completed this chapter, be sure to turn to Appendix B, where you will find a Chapter Summary that is useful for reviewing what you have learned about the brain and the nervous system.