1.1 The Brain and Behaviour; Localization of Function

Question 1

Amygdala

Answer 1

Part of the limbic system. Processes emotions and plays a role in emotional memory, particulary autobiographical memory

Question 2

Neuroplasticity

Answer 2

Theory (supported by research) that the brain adapts to the enviornment by changing in some way. Either one part of the brain takes on the functions of another part due to injury, or the brain increases or decreases in volume, size and density in response to learning or enviornmental factors

Question 3

Broca’s area

Answer 3

An area in the left frontal lobe of the brain containing neurons involved in spreech production (language storage)

Question 4

Cerebral cortex

Answer 4

The outer layer of the cerebrum and cerebellum, which is often referred to as “grey matter” because the neurons here do not have the insulating myelin sheaths that other neurons possess. It is responsible for all cognitive functions, such as thinking, seeing, learning and speaking

Question 5

Corpus callosum

Answer 5

A bundle of 250 million axons travelling across the brain. Largest pathway in the brain. Has the functions to allow transmission of information from one side to the other and to coordinate hemisphere activities.

Question 6

Dendritic branching

Answer 6

The process by which the dendrites of one neuron branch out to establish connections with other neurons. Dendrited of the neuron geow in number and connect with the other neurons every time we learn something

Question 7

Dendritic retraction

Answer 7

Shortening and reduced branching in the dendrites of the cell

Question 8

Equipotentiality

Answer 8

The ability of one part of the cortex to take over the functions of another part of the cortex

Question 9

Hippocampus

Answer 9

Part of the limbic system. Horseshoe-shaped paired structure, one section located in the left hemisphere and the other in the right hemisphere. Found in the brain’s temporal lobes and sends memories out to the appropriate part of the brain for long-term storage and retrieves them when necessary

Question 10

Hypothalamus

Answer 10

An important area at the top of the brain stem that is responsible for the manufacture and controlled release of several hormones, including oxytocin, by the pituitary gland

Question 11

Lateralization

Answer 11

The division of functions between the two hemispheres of the cortex

Question 12

Limbic system

Answer 12

Set of brain structures located on top of the brain stem, and under the cerebral cortex- This area is responsible for emotions, motivation and memory, amongst other survival functions

Question 13

Localization of brain function

Answer 13

Specific areas in the brain are responsible for specific behaviours. For example, spatial memory is located in the hippocampus, and long-term memory in general in the medial temporal lobes and prefrontal cortex

Question 14

Long-term potentiation

Answer 14

Repeated firing of neurons, causes the connection between neurons to strengthen

Question 15

Neural networks

Answer 15

Formation of synaptic contacts between neurons. Happens when a neuron or a set of neurons are repeatedly stimulated. Is a process of neuroplasticity

Question 15

Neural networks

Answer 15

Formation of synaptic contacts between neurons. Happens when a neuron or a set of neurons are repeatedly stimulated. Is a process of neuroplasticity

Question 15

Neural networks

Answer 15

Formation of synaptic contacts between neurons. Happens when a neuron or a set of neurons are repeatedly stimulated. Is a process of neuroplasticity

Question 15

Neural networks

Answer 15

Formation of synaptic contacts between neurons. Happens when a neuron or a set of neurons are repeatedly stimulated. Is a process of neuroplasticity

Question 16

Neural networks

Answer 16

Formation of synaptic contacts between neurons. Happens when a neuron or a set of neurons are repeatedly stimulated. Is a process of neuroplasticity. The development of neural networks through repetition and neural pruning is both genetic and subject to enviornmental influences. Neural networks can change developmentally, over time or after injury.

Question 17

Neuroplasticity

Answer 17

Brain’s ability to change structurally and chemically by experience (in response to the enviornment). This change occurs through making and breaking synaptic connections between neurons. In the process, neural networks literally change their shape; also called brain plasticity.

Question 18

Neural pruning

Answer 18

Normally occuring process that changes and reduces the number of neurons, synapses and axons that exist within the brain and nervous system. Unused disappear with time, useful and needed stay

Question 19

Pixel

Answer 19

A 2D picture element of a flat image, sometimes coloured to show differences from other pixels

Question 20

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Answer 20

Use small amounts of radioactive materials called radiotracers, a special camera and a computer to help evaluate brain function. By identifying brain changes at the cellular level, PET may detect the early onset of disease before it is evident on other imaging tests. Used in detecting Alzheimer’s disease in the very early stages

Question 21

Pre-frontal cortex

Answer 21

Located right at the front of the brain. Associated with abstract thinking, reflection and behaviour regulation

Question 22

Spatial memory

Answer 22

Memory for the position and location of objects and places. Allows us to plan routes and retrieve journey details. Located in hippocampus.

Question 23

Synaptic pruning

Answer 23

The process by which synaptic connections are eliminated in order to increase the efficiency of neuronal transmissions

Question 24

Synaptogenesis

Answer 24

The ability of individual neurons to connect with each other to form neural networks, creating new synapses

Question 25

Synaptogenesis

Answer 25

The ability of individual neurons to connect with each other to form neural networks, creating new synapses

Question 26

Temporal resolution

Answer 26

The smallest time period in which changes in brain activity can be registered

Question 27

Vental tegmental area (VTA)

Answer 27

VTA is one of the major dopaminergic areas in the brain (the other being the substantia nigra). VTA is in the midbrain. Plays a role in motivation, reward, and addiction

Question 28

Voxel

Answer 28

The smallest “brain particle” that we are able to see through a scanner. Just as a pixel is a 2D picture element in an image, so a voxel is a 3D volume element of a brain scan image. Voxels are coloures to create a 3D map of the brain and brain activity