Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Biopsychology PSYC366 > Anatomy and research methods > Flashcards

Anatomy and research methods Flashcards

1
Q

Neuroanatomy:

A

The anatomy of the nervous system

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Central nervous system (CNS):

A

Consists of the brain and spinal cord.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Peripheral nervous system (PNS):

- 2 divisions

A

Consists of the nerves outside the brain and the spinal cord.

a. Somatic nervous system: Consists of the nerves that convey messages from the sense organs to the CNS and from the CNS to the muscles and glands.
b. Autonomic nervous system: A set of neurons that control the heart, the intestines, and other organs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q 
Anatomical Terms Referring to Direction
Dorsal: 
Ventral: 
Anterior: 
Posterior: 
Superior: 
Inferior: 
Lateral: 
Medial:
Proximal:
Distal: 
Ipsilateral: 
Contralateral: 
Coronal plane: 
Saggital plane: 
Horizontal plane:
A

Dorsal: toward the back
Ventral: toward the stomach
Anterior: toward the front
Posterior: toward the rear
Superior: above another part
Inferior: below another part
Lateral: toward the side, away from the midline
Medial: toward the midline, away from the side
Proximal: located close to the point of origin or attachment
Distal: located more distant from the point of origin or attachment
Ipsilateral: on the same side of the body
Contralateral: on the opposite side of the body
Coronal plane: plane that shows the brain structures as seen from the front
Saggital plane: plane that shows the brain structures as seen from the side
Horizontal plane: plane that shows brain structures as seen from above

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q 
Terms Referring to Parts of the Nervous System
Lamina: 
Column: 
Tract: 
Nerve: 
Ganglion: 
Gyrus (pl. gyri): 
Sulcus: (pl. sulci): 
Fissure:
A

Lamina: a row or layer of cell bodies separated from other cell bodies by a layer of axons and dendrites
Column: a set of cells perpendicular to the surface of the cortex, with similar properties
Tract: a set of axons within the CNS, also known as a projection
Nerve: a set of axons in the periphery, either from the CNS to a muscle or gland or from a sensory organ to the CNS
Ganglion: a cluster of neuron cell bodies, usually outside the CNS
Gyrus (pl. gyri): a protuberance on the surface of the brain
Sulcus: (pl. sulci): a fold or groove that separates one gyrus from another
Fissure: a long, deep sulcus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

The Spinal Cord:

A

Part of the CNS found within the spinal column; the spinal cord communicates with the sense organs and muscles below the level of the head.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

BellMagendie law:

A

States that dorsal roots enter the spinal cord carrying information from sensory organs (e.g., skin); ventral roots exit the spinal cord carrying motor information to muscles and glands.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Dorsal root ganglia:

A

clusters of sensory neuron cell bodies located outside the spinal cord.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

gray matter:

A

lies in the center of the spinal cord, packed with cell bodies and dendrites

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

white matter:

A

lies in the periphery of the spinal cord, comprised mainly of myelinated axons.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS):

A

a set of neurons that receives information and sends commands to the heart, intestines, and other organs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Two divisions of the ANS:

A
  1. Sympathetic nervous system: “Fight or Flight” system (prepares body for action by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, etc.). The sympathetic system consists of two paired chains of ganglia lying near the spinal cord’s central regions (thoracic and lumbar areas) and connected by axons to the spinal cord.
  2. Parasympathetic nervous system: Vegetative nonemergency system (parasympathetic activities are generally opposite of sympathetic activities). The parasympathetic nervous system is also known as the craniosacral system because it consists of cranial nerves and nerves from the sacral spinal cord.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Hindbrain:

A

Posterior part of the brain; consists of the medulla, pons, and cerebellum.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Brainstem:

A

Consists of the medulla, pons, midbrain, and certain central structures of the forebrain.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Medulla and cranial nerves

A

Controls breathing, heart rate, vomiting, coughing, and other vital reflexes through the cranial nerves, a set of twelve nerves that carry sensory and motor information to the head.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Pons (Latin for “bridge”):

A

Brain structure that lies anterior and ventral to the medulla. Like the medulla, the pons contains nuclei for several cranial nerves. Axons in the pons cross from one side of the brain to the other.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Reticular Formation and Raphe System

A

lie in both the pons and medulla. Both systems affect attention and arousal.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Cerebellum:

A

Organizes sensory information that guides movement.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

The Midbrain:

  • Tectum (Latin for roof):
  • Tegmentum (Latin for covering):
  • Substantia Nigra:
A

Middle of the brain

  • Tectum (Latin for roof): Comprised of the superior colliculus (vision) and inferior colliculus (hearing); both are involved in processing sensory information.
  • Tegmentum (Latin for covering): Includes III and IV cranial nerve nuclei, part of the reticular formation, and many important pathways.
  • Substantia Nigra: Midbrain structure that contains dopamine neurons that facilitates readiness for movement.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

The Forebrain:

A

the most prominent part of the human brain. Consists of two cerebral hemispheres, one on the left side and one on the right. Each hemisphere receives contralateral sensory information and controls contralateral motor movement.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Cerebral cortex:

A

the outer portion of the forebrain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Limbic System:

A

Comprised of the olfactory bulb, hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, and cingulate gyrus. The limbic system is involved in motivational and emotional behaviors (e.g., eating, drinking, sexual activity, anxiety, and aggression).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Thalamus:

A

The thalamus provides the main source of information to the cerebral cortex. Most sensory information is first processed in the thalamus before going to the cerebral cortex. The one exception is olfactory information.

24
Q

Hypothalamus:

A

Small structure containing many distinct nuclei. Sends messages to the pituitary gland, altering its release of hormone. Important for motivated behavior (e.g., eating, drinking, etc.) and temperature regulation.

25
Q

Pituitary Gland:

A

Endocrine (hormone-producing) gland attached to the base of the hypothalamus.

26
Q

Basal Ganglia:

A

A group of subcortical structures including the caudate, putamen, and globus pallidus. Deterioration of the basal ganglia is prominent in Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease.
- Involved in movement, learning and memory for skills and habits

27
Q

Basal Forebrain:

A

Structures in the dorsal surface of the forebrain, including the nucleus basalis, a key part of the brain’s arousal system, wakefulness and attention (as seen in people with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s)

28
Q

Hippocampus:

A

A large structure between the thalamus and the cerebral cortex, mostly toward the posterior of the forebrain. This structure is important for new memory storage.

29
Q

The ventricles:

A

four fluid-filled cavities within the brain (two lateral ventricles, a third ventricle, and a fourth ventricle).

30
Q

Central Canal:

A

Fluid-filled channel in the center of the spinal cord.

31
Q

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF):

A

The clear fluid found in the ventricles and central canal. The CSF is formed by the choroid plexus (cells found inside the four ventricles).
- CSF cushions the brain against mechanical shock when the head moves and provides a reservoir of hormones and nutrients for the brain and spinal cord.

32
Q

Meninges:

A

Thin membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. CSF flows through the spaces between the brain and the meninges.

33
Q

Hydrocephalus:

A

obstruction and accumulation of CSF within the ventricles or in the subarachnoid space. This condition is usually associated with intellectual disability.

34
Q

cerebral cortex

A

consists of the cellular layers on the outer surface of the cerebral hemispheres.

35
Q

The corpus callosum and anterior commissure:

A

Two bundles of axons that allow the two brain hemispheres to communicate with one another.

36
Q

Organization of the Cerebral Cortex

A
  1. The cerebral cortex contains up to six distinct laminae (layers of cell bodies that lie parallel to the surface of the cortex and are separated from each other by layers of fibers).
  2. Cells in the cerebral cortex are also arranged in columns (cells with similar properties, organized perpendicular to laminae).
  3. The cerebral cortex can be divided into four lobes, named for the skull bones that lie over them: occipital, parietal, temporal, and frontal.
37
Q

The Occipital Lobe:

A

Posterior (caudal) portion of the cerebral cortex; part of the visual pathway system.
- Primary Visual Cortex (striate cortex): The most posterior region of the occipital lobe. Destruction of any part of the striate cortex causes cortical blindness.

38
Q

The Parietal Lobe:

- Postcentral Gyrus (primary somatosensory cortex)

A

Lies between the occipital lobe and the central sulcus (one of the deepest grooves in the surface of the cortex).

  1. Postcentral Gyrus or primary somatosensory cortex: Lies posterior to the central sulcus; the primary target for touch sensations and information from muscle-stretch receptors and joint receptors.
  2. The parietal lobe monitors all the information about eye, head, and body positions and passes it on to brain areas that control movement.
  3. Is essential for spatial and numerical information
39
Q

The Temporal Lobe:

A

Located laterally in each hemisphere, near the temples; it is the primary target for auditory information.
1. In humans, the temporal lobe (usually the left hemisphere) is involved in comprehension of spoken language. The temporal lobe also contributes to complex aspects of vision, including perception of movement and recognition of faces.
2. The temporal lobe is also implicated in emotional and motivated behaviors.
Klüver-Bucy syndrome: Set of behaviors seen after temporal lobe damage. Previously wild and aggressive monkeys fail to show normal fear or anxiety.

40
Q

The Frontal Lobe:

A

Located at the most anterior area of the cerebral cortex and extends to the central sulcus. Contains the primary motor cortex and prefrontal cortex.

41
Q

Precentral Gyrus (also known as the primary motor cortex):

A

Located just anterior to the central sulcus. Specialized for the control of fine motor movements, such as moving one finger at a time, primarily on the contralateral side of the body.

42
Q

Prefrontal Cortex:

A

The most anterior portion of the frontal lobe. Forms a large portion of the brain in large-brained species. Receives information from all of our senses.
- The prefrontal cortex is now believed to be important for working memory (the ability to remember recent stimuli and events).

43
Q

Prefrontal lobotomy:

A

Disconnecting the prefrontal cortex from the rest of the brain to control psychological disorders. This practice was almost completely abandoned after effective drug therapies became available.
- Prefrontal lobotomies commonly resulted in a loss of the ability to plan and take initiative, memory disorders, distractibility, and a loss of emotional expression. In addition, people with prefrontal damage lost their social inhibitions and often acted impulsively.

44
Q

Delayed Response Task:

A

A subject must remember where a stimulus (e.g.,toy) was hidden prior to the introduction of a time delay; damage to the prefrontal cortex leads to deficits on this task.

45
Q

The Binding Problem (or large-scale integration problem):

A

The question of how the visual, auditory, and other areas of your brain influence one another to produce a combined perception of a single object.
- Binding occurs when you perceive two sensations coming from the same place at the same time.

46
Q

The main categories of methods for studying brain function:

A
  1. Examine the effects of brain damage.
  2. Examine the effects of stimulating a brain area.
  3. Record brain activity during behavior.
  4. Correlate brain anatomy with behavior.
47
Q

ablation:

A

the removal of a brain area

48
Q

a stereotaxic instrument:

A

is used to damage structures in the interior of the brain

49
Q

Transcranial magnetic stimulation

A

(the application of an intense magnetic field to a portion of the scalp) can be used to temporarily interrupt brain activity by inactivating neurone
**The magnetic fields used to stimulate brain activity are briefer and less intense than those used to interrupt brain activity.

50
Q

Electroencephalograph (EEG):

A

a device that records electrical activity of the brain through electrodes attached to the scalp. EEGs can record spontaneous brain activity or activity in response to a stimulus called evoked potentials or evoked responses.

51
Q

Magnetoencephalograph (MEG):

A

A device that measures faint magnetic fields generated by brain activity. This device, unlike the EEG, has excellent temporal resolution.

52
Q

Positron emission tomography (PET scan):

A

A device where an investigator injects a radioactive chemical and detectors around the head map the areas of the brain with the highest level of radioactivity. PET scans can be used to measure brain activity or the binding of a drug to different brain areas (expensive and risky, only available at research hospitals)

53
Q

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI):

A

A technique that measures changes in the blood’s hemoglobin molecules as they release oxygen, mainly in the brain’s most active areas. Because fMRI is safer and cheaper than PET, it has replaced PET for many purposes.

54
Q

Phrenology:

A

Process developed by Franz Joseph Gall in the 1800s that related skull anatomy to behavioral capacities.

55
Q

Computerized axial tomography (CT or CAT scan):

A

An x-ray technique that can reconstruct images of the brain on a computer.

56
Q

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):

A

A MRI device applies a powerful magnetic field to align all axes of rotation (all atoms with an odd-numbered atomic weight has an axis or rotation) and then tilts them with a brief radio frequency field. When the radio frequency is turned off, the atomic nuclei release electromagnetic energy as they relax and return to their original axis. The MRI device measures the released energy and forms an image of the brain.

57
Q

Comparisons of Men and Women

A
  • Despite overall size differences, gray matter volume is almost the same in both men and women, possibly explaining the similar IQ scores.
  • Men and women’s brains differ most on average in white matter

Biopsychology PSYC366 (14 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions