1 - Biology and Behavior Flashcards
1.1 - Major contributions of Franz Gall (1758 - 1828)
Developed doctrine of Phrenology: belief that particular well developed traits would expand those areas of the Brain and thus can be physically measured.
Sparked major research into brain function and Psychology.
1.1 - Major contributions of Pierre Flourens (1794 - 1867)
Studied the function / relation of major sections of the brain; thus determined each section had a specific function.
Researched through extirpation aka ablation of brain sections.
1.1 - Major contributions of William James (1842-1910)
Founder of American Psychology
Functionalism: system of thought studying how mental processes help individuals adapt to the environment.
1.1 - Major contributions of John Dewey (1859-1952)
Major player in developing Functionalism.
Criticized reflex arc .. believed psychology should focus on study of the organism as a whole to adapt to a new environment.
1.1 - Major Contributions of Paul Broca (1824-1880)
Examined behavioral deficits in people with brain damage.
Discovered a lesion in a persons brain in a specific area led to inability to speak aka Broca’s Area
1.1 Hermann von Helmholtz (1821-1894)
First to measure the speed of a nerve impulse. Linked speed of nerve impulse to reaction time linking Psychology with Physiology.
1.1 - Major contributions of Sir Charles Sherrington (1857-1952)
First to infer the existence of synapses.
He was incorrect in believing that synaptic transmission was electrical when it is in fact chemical in nature.
1.2 - Three kinds of nerve cells
Sensory Neurons = afferent neurons (ascend signals toward brain)
Motor Neurons - = efferent neurons (descend signals to body)
Interneurons = most abundant and part of reflex arc
1.2 - Two primary components of Nervous System
- CNS: brain + spinal cord
- PNS: nerve tissues and fibers outside the brain and s.c including spinal nerves + cranial nerves
1.2 - Two subdivisions of the Peripheral Nervous System
- Somatic nervous system: sensory + motor neurons throughout skin, joints, and muscles
- Autonomic nervous system: regulates HR,Temp, RR, digestion and glandular secretions. (manages involuntary muscle control + organs/glands)
1.2 - Sensory vs Motor Neurons
Sensory = efferent go toward the brain
Motor = afferent go away from brain to interneurons after sensory response sends signal to brain,
1.2 - Two subdivisions of the Autonomic Nervous System
- Sympathetic: activated by stress, “fight or flight”. Increases HR, blood to muscles, dilates bronchi, increase blood glucose, dialtes eyes, releases epinephrine
- Parasympathetic: main role is to conserve energy used in resting/sleeping - “Rest and Digest”. Decreases HR, constricts bronchi, controls digestion. ACETYLCHOLINE is neurotransmitter responsible for parasymp response
1.3 - Function and Composition of Meninges
Meninges: 3 layers of thick connective tissue that protect and anchor brain to the skull as well as aid in re-absorption of CSF fluid
Dura mater: outer layer, attaches to skull
Arachnoid mater: middle layer, is fibrous and web-like
Pia mater: inner layer, connects directly to brain
1.3 - Components of the Forebrain
Cerebral Cortex: cognitive processes
Limbic System: emotion/memory
Thalamus: sensory relay station
Hypothalamus: hunger/thirst
Basal Ganglia: movement
1.3 - Components of the Midbrain
Inferior and Superior Colliculi: Sensorimotor reflexes
1.3 - Components of the Hindbrain
Cerebellum: refined motor movements
Medulla Oblongata: Heart, Vital reflexes ( coughing)
Reticular formation: Arousal and alertness
Pons: Communication with brain and Breathing
1.3 - Importance of the Hindbrain
(Rhombencephalon)
Controls vital functions necessary to maintain life
located where S.C meets Brain
Controls balance, motor coordination, breathing, digestion
1.3 - Importance of the Midbrain
(Mesencephalon)
Receives sensory and motor information from the body.
Associated with involuntary reflex responses triggered by visual and auditory stimuli
Superior colliculi: receives visual sensory input
Inferior colliculi: receives auditory sensory info
1.3 - Importance of the Forebrain
(Prosencephalon)
Associated with complex perceptual, cognitive and behavioral processes
Emotion and Memory association with greatest influence over human behavior
1.3 - Neuropsychology methods of mind mapping~
1) study the relationship between brain lesions and affected behaviors associated in these specific regions
2) Cortical mapping: use of electrodes to stimulate and study specific regions of the brain
3) EEG: noninvasive method used to record the electrical activity of larger groups of neurons
4) Regional Cerebral Blood Flow (rCBF): noninvasive method that records broad patterns of increased blood flow to different regions of the brain. radioactive gas Is inhaled and CT, MRI, PET imaging is used to visualize blood flow
1.4 - Components of the Forebrain
Diencephalon + Telencephalon
(Diencephalon)
Thalamus
Hypothalamus
Posterior Pituitary
Pineal gland
(telencephalon)
Cerebral Cortex
Basal Ganglia
Limbic System
1.4 - Parts of the Forebrain
Function of the Thalamus
Important sensory relay station for all senses except smell, the Thalamus sorts and transmits impulses to appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex
1.4 - Parts of the Forebrain
Functions of the Hypothalamus
3 parts: Lateral, Ventromedial, and anterior Hypothalamus
4 F’s: Feeding, Fighting, Flighting, and Function (sexual)
serves homeostatic functions
1.4 - Parts of the Forebrain
Lateral Hypothalamus
LH “hunger center” special receptors detect needs for food/fluids and trigger hunger
if damaged LH = loss of hunger
1.4 - Parts of the Forebrain
Ventromedial Hypothalamus
VMH “satiety center” provides signals to stop eating
if damaged VMH = very much hungry
1.4 - Parts of the Forebrain
Anterior Hypothalamus
AH controls sexual behaviors, regulates sleep and body temp.
1.4 - Parts of the Forebrain
Importance of Posterior Pituitary
site of release for antidiuretic hormone (ADH = vasopressin) + oxytocin
1.4 - Parts of the Forebrain
Importance of the Pineal Gland
Secretes hormone called melatonin
regulates cardiac / biological rhythms
1.4 - Parts of the Forebrain
Importance of Basal Ganglia
Coordinates muscle movement as it recieves infomration from thr cortex ans relay system
1.4 - Parts of the Forebrain
Limbic System
Group of interconnected looping structures around the central brain
Controls emotion and memory
Components: Septal Nuclei, Amygdala, Hippocampus, and Anterior Cingulate Cortex
1.4 - Parts of the Forebrain
(Limbic System)
Septal Nuclei
One of primary pleasures centers of the brain
1.4 - Parts of the Forebrain
(Limbic System)
Amygdala
Defensive and aggressive behaviors including rage and fear
1.4 - Parts of the Forebrain
(Limbic System)
Hippocampus
vital role in learning and memory processing
helps consolidate info to long term memories
communicates to other parts of limbic system through fornix
Anterograde amnesia: cannot establish new long-term memories
Retrograde amnesia: memory loss of previous memories
1.4 - Parts of the Forebrain
(Limbic System)
Anterior Cingulate Cortex
deals with higher order cognitive processes, regulates impulse control and decision-making
1.4 - Parts of the Forebrain
Components of the Cerebral Cortex
Outer section of the brain thus the most recent evolution also called Neocortex
compromised: 2 cerebral hemispheres with Frontal, Parietal, Occipital, and Temporal Lobes
