1.4 The Brain Flashcards
Biological Psychology
the scientific study of the biological processes underlying behavior, focusing on the relationship between the nervous system, hormones, genetics, and psychological processes like perception, emotion, learning, and memory, essentially exploring the “mind-body” connection through a biological lens.
Brainstem
the lower part of the brain that connects the cerebrum to the spinal cord, (Medulla, Reticular Formation) essentially acting as the central hub for basic autonomic nervous system
Medulla
Controlla heart beat and breathing (apart of brain stem)
Reticular activating system
The reticular activating system (RAS) is a network of neurons located in the brain stem that project anteriorly to the hypothalamus to mediate behavior, as well as both posteriorly to the thalamus and directly to the cortex for activation of awake, desynchronized cortical EEG patterns.
Reward center
The mesolimbic system, also known as the reward system, is composed of brain structures that are responsible for mediating the physiological and cognitive processing of reward.
Cerebellum
Coordinates voluntary movement and balance and supports memories of such
Cerebral Cortex
Ultimate control and information processing center
Limbic System
Part of the brain involved in our behavioural and emotional responses (Feeding, reproduction, fight or flight) (Hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus)
Thalamus
Relays messages between lower brain centers and cerebral cortex
Hypothalamus
Controls mainteance functions such as eating; helps govern endocrine system; linked to emotion and reward (Limbic system)
pituitary gland
Master endocrine gland (releasing of hormones)
Hippocampus
Memory
amygdala
Emotion
corpus callosum
Axon fibers connecting the two cerebral hemispheres
occipital lobes
Include the visual areas; they receive visual information from the opposite visual field
temporal lobes
include the auditory processing areas
parietal lobes
Include the somatosensory cortex and information managing input from multiple senses, elated to skin (touch, pain, pressure, temperature–somatosensory cortex processes this)
performing spatial and mathematical reasoning
Association areas
an area of the cerebral cortex that functions in linking and coordinating the sensory and motor areas.
Somatosensory cortex
is a specific part of the sensory cortex that is responsible for processing information related to touch, temperature, pain, pressure, and proprioception (the sense of body position and movement). It is located in the parietal lobe
prefrontal cortex
involves planning, problem-solving, impulse control, personality, emotional
regulation, and decision-making.
frontal lobes
control voluntary movement (motor cortex), speech production (Broca’s Area),
motor cortex
the region of the cerebral cortex involved in the planning, control, and execution of voluntary movements (word is pronounced)
split brain
a condition where the corpus callosum, the main connection between the brain’s hemispheres, has been surgically cut = each hemisphere will have its own separate perception, concepts, and impulses to act.
Talent: people are able to follow two instructions and draw two different shapes simultaneously
Drawback: people can be frustrated that the right and left sides do different things
left/right hemispheres
Left hemisphere section receives input from the body’s right side)
Brcocas area
In the left frontal lobe = Damage to Broca’s area leads to difficulty in putting words together in sentences or even speaking single words, although a person can sing a song (Controls speech muscles via motor cortex)
wernickes area
In the left temporal lobe = Damage to Wernicke’s area leads to difficulty comprehending speech and producing coherent speech (not easily monitoring one’s own speech to make sure it makes sense). (Transforms visual representations into auditory)
aphasia
AN impairment in the ability to produce or understand language usually caused by damage to the brain = having the ability to speak but not read, to produce words in song but not convo.
contralateral organization
one side of body controlled by opposite side of brain
plasticity
Rewiring, pruning,
The brain does not repair damaged neurons, BUT it can restore some functions
It can form new connections, reassign existing networks, and insert new neurons.
We can “teach an old dog new tricks”
Neurogenesis
EEG = electroencephalogram
An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a recording of the electrical waves sweeping across the brain’s surface.
An EEG is useful in studying seizures and sleep.
FMRI = Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
reveals brain activity and function rather than structures.
Functional MRI compares successive MRI images taken a split second apart, and shows changes in the level of oxygen in blood flow in the brain.
case studies
an in-depth examination of a single individual, group, or event, where researchers gather detailed information through various methods like interviews, observations, and psychological tests to analyze a specific behavior, condition, or phenomenon, often providing rich contextual understanding about a particular case
Lesioning procedures
intentionally damaging or removing specific areas of the brain to treat certain disorders
