3. Brain and Nervous System Flashcards
Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
Branch of the PNS- connects the CNS and the body’s visceral (non-skeletal) organs, muscles and glands
Axon
the long strand-like part of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body towards the terminal buttons
Axon terminals
the ends of a neuron that release neurotransmitters (chemical messages) into the synapse
Brain
(CNS) - an organ that coordinates thought, behaviour and nervous system activity
Broca’s area
the area of the left frontal lobe responsible for the production of speech
Central nervous system (CNS)
the brain and spinal cord
Cerebral cortex
the thin outer layer of the cerebrum
Cerebrum
the largest part of the brain, including the outer cerebral cortex, responsible for a range of sophisticated functions
Computerised tomography (CT)
neuroimaging technique- involves taking continuous two-dimensional x-ray images of a person’s brain or body in order to provide both two and three-dimensional images (STRUCTURAL TECHNIQUE)
Contralateral functions
**Contra = opposite
Lateral= sides **
Contralateral= Left hemisphere processes sensory and motor info for right side of body and vice versa
Dendrites
the bushy spines of a neuron that extend from the soma and receive messages (neurotransmitters) from other neurons
Dopamine
a neurotransmitter responsible for the coordination of voluntary movement and experiences of pleasure
Frontal lobe
the largest lobe of the cerebral cortex located at the front of the cerebral hemispheres.
Functions- higher-order mental processes, regulation and expression of emotions, personality, voluntary movement and the production speech
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
a neuroimaging technique that uses magnetic and radio fields to take two and three-dimensional images of the brain and its activity levels (STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION)
Glial cells
a specialised cell that protects and supports neurons and their functioning
Hemispheric specialisation
the idea that each of the brain’s cerebral halves has its own specific roles
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
a neuroimaging technique that uses magnetic and radio fields to take two and three-dimensional images of the brain (STRUCTURAL)
Motor messages
information about voluntary movement transmitted FROM the CNS TO the skeletal muscles
Myelin
the fat and protein substance that surrounds and insulates the axon of a neuron, and speeds up neural transmission
Neuroimaging
a range of techniques used to capture images of the brain’s structure, function and activities
Neuron
a **nerve cell **responsible for transmitting, receiving, and processing information
Neurotransmission
the process in which a neuron sends a message
Occipital lobe
the rearmost lobe of the cerebral cortex behind the parietal lobe, with the primary function of processing visual stimuli
Parasympathetic nervous system
a branch of the ANS responsible for returning and maintaining the body’s visceral organs, muscles and glands at optimal and balanced functioning (homeostasis)
Parietal lobe
the lobe of the cerebral cortex behind the frontal lobe with the functions of receiving and processing sensory stimuli and spatial awareness
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
all nerves outside the CNS, responsible for carrying information to and from the CNS
Positron emission tomography (PET)
a neuroimaging technique that uses a scanning device to take coloured images of the brain, showing its functional activity by tracing the levels of a radioactive substance in the brain
Postsynaptic neuron
the neuron that receives a message from the synapse
Presynaptic neuron
the neuron that releases a message into the synapse
Primary auditory cortex
the area of the temporal lobe that is responsible for the perception of sound
Primary motor cortex
an area of the frontal lobe that initiates voluntary movements by sending motor neural messages to our skeletal muscles
Primary somatosensory cortex
the area of the parietal lobe responsible for receiving and processing sensory information from the skin and body
Primary visual cortex
the area of the occipital lobe involved in receiving visual information from the sensory receptors located on the retina of our eyes
Reticular formation
structure of neurons extending along the brain stem, connecting various parts of the brain and spinal cord via pathways and projections
Sensory messages
information about the body’s sensations transmitted FROM the PNS TO the CNS
Sensory receptors
the receptors on a neuron that specialise in receiving information about specific kinds of sensory stimuli
Skeletal muscles
muscles connected to the skeleton that are involved in conscious, voluntary movement
Somatic nervous system (SNS)
the branch of the PNS responsible for sending motor information from the CNS to the body’s skeletal muscles, and bringing sensory information from the body to the CNS in order to formulate voluntary responses
Spinal cord
a long cable of nerve tissue connecting the brain to the peripheral nervous system, responsible for carrying motor information from the brain, and sensory information from the body
Sympathetic nervous system
a branch of the ANS responsible for activating the body’s visceral organs, muscles, and glands for increased activity or when under threat
Synapse
the area in which neurotransmission occurs between two neurons, including the sending end of the presynaptic neuron, the gap between two neurons, and the receiving end of the postsynaptic neuron
Synaptic gap
the space between two neurons into which a neuronal message is transmitted
Temporal lobe
the lower central lobe of the cerebral cortex, responsible for auditory perception, as well as being involved in memory, face and object recognition and emotional responses
Thalamus
a structure comprising two egg-shaped globes within the forebrain, primarily involved as a relay centre and filtering system for sensory and motor signals, as well as regulating arousal, attention and activity
Visceral muscles organs glands
the body’s non-skeletal muscles, organs and glands
Wernicke’s area
the area of the temporal lobe responsible for the comprehension of speech
the Limbic System
combines higher mental functions and primitive emotion into one system.
Amygdala
a small, almond-shaped collection of neurons located deep inside the temporal lobe that forms a crucial part of the limbic system, a group of structures involved in emotional reactions. It is mainly responsible for processing fear.
Damage to Amygdala
Loss of fear response, impaired decision-making, memory loss, hypervigilance
Hippocampus
found deep in the temporal lobe and is shaped like a seahorse. It plays an essential role in the formation of new memories about past experiences. It is responsible for general declarative memory (memories that can be explicitly verbalized, such as memory of facts and episodic memory).
Damage to Hippocampus
can experience a loss of memory and a loss of the ability to make new, long-term memories. Associated with illnesses such as Alzheimer’s Disease and severe depression.
Damage to the Thalamus
associated with risk of coma. Can lead to sensory changes in a body part. Can also cause movement disorders, lack of movement (motor disturbances).
Hypothalamus
Links the nervous system to the endocrine system. Responsible for temperature regulation, controlling appetite, maintaining daily physiological cycles, regulating fluid balance, regulating blood pressure, regulating the autonomic nervous syste, managing sexual arousal, regulating emotional responses
Damage to Hypothalamus
Lesions to this area interfere with several unconscious functions (such as respiration and metabolism) and some so-called motivated behaviors like sexuality, combativeness, and hunger. The lateral (side) parts of the hypothalamus seem to be involved with pleasure and rage, while the medial (middle) part is linked to aversion, displeasure, and a tendency for uncontrollable and loud laughter.
Cingulate Gyrus
Coordinates smells and sights with pleasant memories, induces an emotional reaction to pain, and helps regulate aggressive behavior.
Damage to Cingulate Gyrus
May become angry or easily frustrated and have emotional or violent outbursts. Physiologically, individuals may experience chronic pain or display addictive behaviors such as drug or alcohol abuse and eating disorders. Also linked to attention deficit disorders, schizophrenia, psychiatric disorders, and autism.
Basal Ganglia
functions include organizing motor behavior and coordinating rule-based, habit learning such as when to start or stop an action. Other roles include emotional behaviours, and it plays an important role in reward and reinforcement, addictive behaviours and habit formation.
Damage to Basal Ganglia
Problems controlling speech, movement, and posture (parkinsonism). Difficulty starting, stopping, or sustaining movement.
Lock and Key process of neural transmission
Receptor sites are specially designed to only bind with certain neurotransmitters. Their characteristic pattern allows them to match the pattern of the neurotransmitter like a lock matches a key.The receptor site has a complementary structure to the neurotransmitter.
Depressants
such asalcohol, sedatives, hypnoticsandvolatile solvents, that reduce the activity of thecentral nervous system.
Stimulants
such as nicotine,cocaine, amphetaminesandecstasy, that increase the activity of the central nervous system.
Hallucinogens
such aPCPandLSD, that can distort perceptions to induce delusions or hallucinations.
Cannabis
though classified as ahallucinogen, also displays characteristics ofdepressantsandstimulants.
Drug dependence
(Physiological): Substance dependence refers to the body’s physiological reliance on a drug
Drug addiciton
(Psychological): difficulty controlling how much of a drug is used and continued use despite negative consequences
The Mesolimbic Dopamine Pathway
All drugs of abuse increase dopamine levels in this reward pathway. Hence, our use of drugs is reinforced in this part of the brain. Drug withdrawal is associated with decreased dopamine in this pathway.The mesolimbic pathway is also triggered by natural rewards (food, water, sex) and by stress.
Ventral Tegmental Area
The Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) is one of the prime places of dopamine production in the brain.
Serotonin
helps regulate one’s mood. When levels are normal, a person feels: happier, calmer , more focused, less anxious, more emotionally stable. Is strongly associated with a person’s emotions.
What is the branch of the PNS responsible for connecting the CNS and the body’s visceral (non-skeletal) organs, muscles and glands?
Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
What is the long strand-like part of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body to the sending end of a neuron?
Axon
Wha do we call the ends of a neuron that release a message into the synapse?
Axon terminals
What is the organ contained in the skull that coordinates thought, behaviour and nervous system activity?
Brain
What is the area of the left frontal lobe responsible for the production of speech?
Broca’s area
What do we call the sub-division of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord?
Central nervous system (CNS)
What is the thin outer layer of the cerebrum called?
Cerebral cortex
What is the largest expanse of brain matter, including the outer cerebral cortex and inner tissue of the forebrain, responsible for a range of sophisticated functions?
Cerebrum
What is a neuroimaging technique that involves taking continuous two-dimensional x-ray images of a person’s brain or body in order to provide both two and three-dimensional images?
Computerised tomography (CT)
What is the name for the role of each cerebral hemisphere to receive sensory information from, and control the movement of, the opposite side of the body?
Contralateral functions
What is the bushy spines of a neuron that extend from the soma and receive messages from other neurons?
Dendrites
What is a neurotransmitter responsible for the coordination of voluntary movement and experiences of pleasure?
Dopamine
Wha tis the largest lobe of the cerebral cortex at the front of the cerebral hemispheres with the functions of high-order mental processes, regulation and expression of emotions, voluntary movement, and the production speech?
Frontal lobe
What is the neuroimaging technique that uses magnetic and radio fields to take two and three-dimensional images of the brain and its activity levels?
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
What is the specialised cell that protects and supports neurons and their functioning?
Glial cells
What is the idea that each of the brain’s cerebral halves has its own specific roles?
Hemispheric specialisation
What is the neuroimaging technique that uses magnetic and radio fields to take two and three-dimensional images of the brain?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
what is information about voluntary movement transmitted from the CNS to the skeletal muscles?
Motor messages
What is the fat and protein substance that surrounds and insulates the axon of a neuron?
Myelin
What is the complex network of specialised cells in the body that allows the communication of information around the body about the internal and external environment?
Nervous system
What is the range of techniques used to capture images of the brain’s structure, function and activities?
Neuroimaging
What is the nerve cell responsible for transmitting, receiving, and processing information?
Neuron
What is the process in which a neuron sends a message?
Neurotransmission
What is the rearmost lobe of the cerebral cortex behind the parietal lobe, with the primary function of processing visual stimuli?
Occipital lobe
What is the branch of the ANS responsible for returning and maintaining the body’s visceral organs, muscles and glands at optimal and balanced functioning?
Parasympathetic nervous system
What is the lobe of the cerebral cortex behind the frontal lobe with the functions of receiving and processing sensory stimuli and spatial awareness?
Parietal lobe
What are all nerves outside the CNS, responsible for carrying information to and from the CNS
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
What is the neuroimaging technique that uses a scanning device to take coloured images of the brain, showing its functional activity by tracing the levels of a radioactive substance in the brain?
Positron emission tomography (PET)
What is the neuron that receives a message from the synapse?
Postsynaptic neuron
What is the neuron that releases a message into the synapse?
Presynaptic neuron
What is the area of the temporal lobe that is responsible for the perception of sound?
Primary auditory cortex
Wha tis the area of the frontal lobe that initiates voluntary movements by sending motor neural messages to our skeletal muscles?
Primary motor cortex
What is the area of the parietal lobe responsible for receiving and processing sensory information from the skin and body?
Primary somatosensory cortex
What is the area of the occipital lobe involved in receiving visual information from the sensory receptors located on the retina of our eyes?
Primary visual cortex
What is the net-like structure of neurons extending along the brain stem, connecting various parts of the brain and spinal cord via pathways and projections?
Reticular formation
What do we call information about the body’s sensations transmitted from the PNS to the CNS?
Sensory messages
What are the receptors on a neuron that specialise in receiving information about specific kinds of sensory stimuli?
Sensory receptors
What are muscles connected to the skeleton that are involved in conscious, voluntary movement?
Skeletal muscles
What is the branch of the PNS responsible for sending motor information from the CNS to the body’s skeletal muscles, and bringing sensory information from the body to the CNS in order to formulate voluntary responses?
Somatic nervous system (SNS)
What is the long cable of nerve tissue connecting the brain to the peripheral nervous system, responsible for carrying motor information from the brain, and sensory information from the body?
Spinal cord
What is the branch of the ANS responsible for activating the body’s visceral organs, muscles, and glands for increased activity or when under threat?
Sympathetic nervous system
What is the area in which neurotransmission occurs between two neurons, including the sending end of the presynaptic neuron, the gap between two neurons, and the receiving end of the postsynaptic neuron?
Synapse
What is the space between two neurons into which a neuronal message is transmitted?
Synaptic gap
What is the lower central lobe of the cerebral cortex, responsible for auditory perception, as well as being involved in memory, face and object recognition, and emotional responses?
Temporal lobe
What is the structure comprising two egg-shaped globes within the forebrain, primarily involved as a relay centre and filtering system for sensory and motor signals, as well as regulating arousal, attention and activity?
Thalamus
What is the body’s non-skeletal muscles, organs and glands
Visceral muscles organs glands
What is the area of the temporal lobe responsible for the comprehension of speech?
Wernicke’s area
What combines higher mental functions and primitive emotion into one system?
the Limbic System
What is the group of structures involved in emotional reactions, especially fear?
Amygdala
What is indicated by loss of fear response, impaired decision-making, memory loss and hypervigilance?
Damage to Amygdala
Which part of the brain is found deep in the temporal lobe and is shaped like a seahorse. It plays an essential role in the formation of new memories about past experiences. It is responsible for general declarative memory? (memories that can be explicitly verbalized, such as memory of facts and episodic memory).
Hippocampus
What is indicated by a loss of the ability to make new, long-term memories?
Damage to Hippocampus
What is indicated by possible coma, sensory changes, movement disorders or motor disturbance?
Damage to the Thalamus
Which part of the brain is responsible for the following: Linking the nervous system to the endocrine system;Temperature regulation;Controlling appetite;Releasing hormones;Maintaining daily physiological cycles;Regulating fluid balance;Regulating blood pressure;Regulating the autonomic nervous system;Managing sexual arousal;Regulating emotional responses```
Hypothalamus
What is indicated by disruption to unconscious functions (such as respiration and metabolism) and some so-called motivated behaviors like sexuality, combativeness, and hunger?
Damage to Hypothalamus
Which part of the brain coordinates smells and sights with pleasant memories, induces an emotional reaction to pain, and helps regulate aggressive behavior?
Cingulate Gyrus
What is indicated by emotional and behavioral disorders such as depression, anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders and physiological symptoms such chronic pain or addictive behaviors such as drug or alcohol abuse and eating disorders?
Damage to Cingulate Gyrus
Which part of the brain is responsible for organizing motor behavior, habit learning, reward and reinforcement and addictive behaviours?
Basal Ganglia
What is indicated by problems controlling speech, movement, and posture (parkinsonism); difficulty starting, stopping, or sustaining movement?
Damage to Basal Ganglia
Receptor sites are specially designed to only bind with certain neurotransmitters. Their characteristic pattern allows them to match the pattern of the neurotransmitter like a lock matches a key. The receptor site has a complementary structure to the neurotransmitter. This is known as what?
Lock and Key process of neural transmission
What do we call drugs such asalcohol,sedatives/hypnoticsandvolatile solvents, that diminish the activity of thecentral nervous system?
Depressants
What do we call drugs such as nicotine,cocaine,amphetaminesand ecstasy, that increase the activity of the central nervous system?
Stimulants
What do we call drugs such asPCPandLSD, that can distort perceptions to induce delusions or hallucinations?
Hallucinogens
What, though classified as ahallucinogen, also displays characteristics ofdepressantsandstimulants?
Cannabis
What term refers to the body’s physiological reliance on a drug?
Drug dependence
What term refers to difficulty controlling how much of a drug is used and continued use despite negative consequences?
Drug addiciton
What do we call the reward pathway in the brain affected by drugs of abuse to increase dopamine levels in the short term but decrease dopamine levels in the long term?
The Mesolimbic Dopamine Pathway
What is one of the prime places of dopamine production in the brain?
Ventral Tegmental Area
Which neurotransmitter helps regulate one’s mood?
Serotonin
