click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Neuroscience Study 1
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Describe sensory input, integration, motor output | Sensory input detects stimuli, integration processes the information, and motor output generates a response. |
| What is the difference between the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system? | The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes all nerves outside the CNS. |
| What is the difference between the autonomic and somatic nervous system? In which general nervous system are these divisions a part of? | The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary actions (e.g., heart rate, digestion), while the somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements. Both are part of the peripheral nervous system. |
| What is the difference between the parasympathetic vs sympathetic nervous system? Which division of the nervous system are these two divisions apart of? | The sympathetic nervous system activates the "fight or flight" response, while the parasympathetic nervous system promotes "rest and digest." Both are divisions of the autonomic nervous system. |
| How do sensory and motor neurons travel through the nervous system? | Sensory neurons carry signals from the body to the CNS, while motor neurons transmit commands from the CNS to muscles and glands. |
| What is grey matter vs. white matter? | Grey matter contains neuron cell bodies and is involved in processing, while white matter consists of myelinated axons that facilitate communication between different brain regions. |
| The cerebrum (higher thinking, voluntary actions), diencephalon (sensory relay, autonomic functions), brainstem (basic life functions like breathing, heartbeat), and cerebellum (coordination, balance). | |
| What are the four lobes of the cerebral cortex? Describe the function of each. | The frontal lobe (decision-making, motor control), parietal lobe (sensory processing, spatial awareness), temporal lobe (hearing, memory), and occipital lobe (vision). |
| Where is the diencephalon located in the brain? What parts make up the diencephalon? Describe the function of each. | The diencephalon is located between the brainstem and cerebrum, consisting of the thalamus (sensory relay), hypothalamus (homeostasis, hormone regulation), and epithalamus (sleep-wake cycle). |
| Where is the brainstem located in the brain? What parts make up the brainstem? Describe the function of each. | The brainstem is at the base of the brain and consists of the midbrain (sensory and motor processing), pons (communication between brain regions, breathing regulation), and medulla oblongata (heart rate, breathing, reflexes). |
| Where is Broca’s area located in the brain? What is the function? | Broca’s area is in the left frontal lobe and controls speech production. |
| Where is Wernicke’s area located in the brain? What is the function? | Wernicke’s area is in the left temporal lobe and is responsible for language comprehension. |
| Describe the function of the cerebral, sensory, and motor cortex. | The cerebral cortex processes complex thoughts and functions, the sensory cortex interprets sensory input, and the motor cortex controls voluntary movements. |
| Where is the limbic system? What is its function? | The limbic system is deep in the brain and regulates emotions, memory, and motivation. |
| Where are the amygdala and hippocampus located? What is the function of each? | The amygdala (emotion processing, fear response) and hippocampus (memory formation) are part of the limbic system. |
| Describe the purpose of cerebrospinal fluid. | Cerebrospinal fluid cushions the brain, removes waste, and provides nutrients. |
| What is the function of the meninges? | The meninges protect the brain and spinal cord by providing a barrier and cushioning. |
| What is the purpose of a brain autopsy? | A brain autopsy helps researchers and doctors examine brain tissue for disease or abnormalities. |
| Brain autopsy | Post-mortem brain examination to study structure and disease. |
| Lesioning studies | Analyzing brain function by studying damaged areas. |
| Lobotomy (pre-frontal) | Surgical removal or disconnection of the prefrontal cortex, historically used for psychiatric conditions. |
| Hemispherectomy | Surgical removal of one hemisphere, typically to treat severe epilepsy. |
| Deep brain stimulation | Implanting electrodes to treat movement disorders like Parkinson’s. |
| Transcranial magnetic stimulation | Non-invasive stimulation of the brain using magnetic fields to alter neural activity. |
| MRI | Magnetic Resonance Imaging; provides detailed brain structure images; pros: high resolution, non-invasive; cons: expensive, time-consuming. |
| PET | Positron Emission Tomography; detects metabolic activity using a radioactive tracer; pros: shows brain function, cons: exposure to radiation, expensive. |
| CT | Computed Tomography; X-ray imaging for brain structure; pros: fast, good for detecting bleeding; cons: radiation exposure, lower resolution than MRI. |
| EEG | Electroencephalography; records electrical brain activity; pros: real-time monitoring, good for epilepsy studies; cons: poor spatial resolution. |
| MEG | Magnetoencephalography; measures magnetic fields from neural activity; pros: high temporal resolution, non-invasive; cons: expensive, limited availability. |
| fMRI | Functional MRI; detects brain activity via blood flow changes; pros: non-invasive, high spatial resolution; cons: expensive, requires patient stillness. |
| What is the rubber hand illusion? | A phenomenon where a fake hand is perceived as one’s own due to sensory integration. |
| Define neuroplasticity. | The brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt by forming new neural connections. |
| What is the difference between functional and structural plasticity? | Functional plasticity allows the brain to shift functions to undamaged areas, while structural plasticity involves physical changes like neuron growth. |
| Why is neuroplasticity important? | It enables learning, recovery from injury, and adaptation to new experiences. |
| What is phantom limb syndrome? | The sensation that a missing limb is still present, often accompanied by pain. |