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Kaplan Psychology/Sociology > Behavioral Sciences Chapter 1: Biology and Behavior > Flashcards

Behavioral Sciences Chapter 1: Biology and Behavior Flashcards

1
Q

What are the two subdivisions of the prosencephalon (forebrain)?

A

The telencephalon and the diencephalon.

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2
Q

What makes up the telencephalon?

A

The telencephalon is composed of the cerebral cortex, the limbic system (amygdala and hippocampus), and the basal ganglia.

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3
Q

What makes up the diencephalon?

A

The diencephalon is made up of the thalamaus, hypothalamus, posterior pituitary, and pineal gland.

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4
Q

What is the main function of the thalamus?

A

The thalamus receives all sensory information (except for smell) and then decides which part of the cerebral cortex to send the sensory information for further processing.

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5
Q

What is the main functions of the hypothalamus?

A

The hypothalamus is mainly involved in regulating homeostasis and regulation of the autonomic system.

For the hypothalamus, remember the 4 F’s:

  1. Feeding
  2. Fighting
  3. Flighting
  4. Fucking
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6
Q

What is the main function of the basal ganglia?

A

The main function of the basal ganglia is to coordinate muscle movement and route information to the brain.

  • Relays information from our cerebral cortex to the CNS which then transmits the signal to our PNS to control smooth muscle movement as well as steady posture.
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7
Q

What is the main function of the hippocampus?

A

The hippocampus is involved in memory and learning.

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8
Q

What is the main purpose of the amygdala?

A

The main functions of the amygdala are emotion (aggressive/fight or defensive/flight) and memory.

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9
Q

What is the main functions of the cerebral cortex?

A

The cerebral cortex is involved in controlling perception, behavior, and other higher cognitive processes.

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10
Q

What is the main function of the corpus collosum?

A

The corpus collosum connects the two hemispheres of the brain and allows the two sides to communicate.

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11
Q

Describe laterality and how it relates to the brain.

A

Laterality describes whether the left or right side of the brain is responsible for controlling which specific function. Most people are left-side dominant. Below is an image describing which hemisphere controls what process.

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12
Q

What are the most common neurotransmitters and in which part of the nervous sytem are they released?

A
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13
Q

What do the neurotransmitters released from in the CNS do?

A
  • GABA acts as a “brain stabilizer” as it inhibits neurons from firing
  • Gylcine also is an inhibitory neurotransmitter
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14
Q

What do the neurotransmitters released in the PNS do?

A
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15
Q

What neurotransmitter is released from both the CNS and the PNS and what does it do in each system?

A
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16
Q

What controls the release of pituitary hormones?

A

The hypothalamus controls the release of pituitary hormones.

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17
Q

What are the differences between the anterior and posterior pituitary?

A

The posterior pituitary is directly attached to the hypothalamus via the pituitary stalk. That’s why the posterior pituitary releases ADH and oxytocin which is synthesized in the hypothalamus.

The anterior pituitary receives its hormones/signals from the hypothalamus via the hypophyseal portal system (blood stream). The anterior pituitary releases FLAT PEG hormones (FSH, LH, ACTH, TSH, Prolactin, Endorphins, GH).

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18
Q

What is neurulation?

A

Neurulation is the beginning of the development of the nervous system. Neurulation occurs when the ectoderm overlying the notochords begins to furrow, forming the neural groove surrounded by two neural folds (looks live a valley).

  • Eventually the neural folds fuse to form the neural tube which forms the CNS.
  • The neural tube begins with three swellings (prosencephalon, mesencephalon, rhombencephalon)
  • Then 5 swellings develop as the prosencephalon divides into the telencephalon and the diancephalon, and the rhombencephalon divides into the metencephalon and the mylencephalon.
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19
Q

What is the alar plate?

A

The alar plate is the neural tube towards the top of the neural tube and forms sensory neurons.

20
Q

What is the basal plate?

A

The basal plate is the bottom of the neural tube and is responsible for forming the motor neurons.

21
Q

What is the function of glutamate in the CNS as a neurotransmitter?

A

Glutamate is proteogenic amino acid that functions as a neurotransmitter exciting the brain.

22
Q

What is the function of acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter?

A

Acetylcholine functions as to control voluntary muscle movements as it is released at the neuromuscular junctions signaling the release of calcium. It also is the neurotransmitter used by the parasympathetic nervous system.

23
Q

What main neurotransmitters are catecholamines and which one is a cholinergic?

A

Dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine are all catecholamines which play important roles in the experience of emotions.

Acetylcholine is released from cholinergic neurons.

24
Q

What function does dopamine play as neurotransmitter?

A

Dopamine has an important function in the basal ganglia to control smooth movements and steady posture. Also is involved in reward pathway.

  • Parkinson’s disease is associated with a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the basal ganglia.
  • Schizophrenia occurs due to too much dopamine or oversentivity to dopamine.
  • Too much dopamanine, like serotonin, results in mania, and too little results in depression
25
What are endorphins?
Endorphins are naturally occuring pain killers that are neurotransmitters produced in the brain.
26
What is serotonin's function?
Serotonin's main function is to regulate mood, sleep, eating, and dreaming. * Too much serotonin results in mania and too little results in depression
27
What is the difference between agonist and antagonist drugs?
Agonists are drugs that mimic the action of some neurotransmitter. Antagonist are drugs that act by blocking the action of neurotransmitters.
28
What is the function of the septal nuclei?
The septal nuclei is one of the primary pleasure centers in the brain. It is associated with addictive behavior.
29
What does a lesion to the amygdala result in?
A lesion to the amygdala results in docility and hypersexual states.
30
What is the function of the fornix?
The fornix is a long projection that allows the hippocampus to communicate with other portions of the limbic system.
31
What is the difference between retrograde amnesia and anterograde amnesia?
Retrograde amnesia is when old memories are forgotten and anterograde amnesia is when new long-term memories cannot be formed.
32
What are the different parts of the hypothalamus and what are their unique functions?
The hypothalamus is divided into three sections: 1. Lateral Hypothalamus * Triggers eating and drinking (hunger center) 2. Ventromedial Hypothalamus * Signals when to stop eating (satiety center) 3. Anterior Hypothalamus * Controls sexual behavior * If the LH is destroyed, one lacks hunger * When the VMH is destroyed, one is very much hungry
33
What is the structure and function of the meninges?
The meninges is a three-layered sheath of connective tissue in between the skull and brain. It provides support for the brain and helps resorb cerebrospinal fluid. 1. Dura mater - first layer directly connected to the skull 2. Arachnoid mater - the middle layer that is a fibrous, weblike structure 3. Pia mater- the third layer directly bound to the brain. * Skin is above the periosteum, which is directly above and attached to the skull.
34
What is the purpose of cerebrospinal fluid and where is it made?
Cerebrospinal fluid helps protect the brain as well as serve as nourishment for the CNS. Cerebrospinal fluid is produced by specialized cells that line the ventricles (internal cavities) of the brain.
35
What structure is responsible for the communication between the hemispheres of the brain?
The corpus collusum is the structure responsible for enabling communication between the two hemispheres of the brain.
36
What is the difference between Broca's area and Wernicke's area?
Broca's area is located within the frontal lobe while Wernicke's area is located within the temporal lobe. Broca's area is responsible for speech production, while Wernicke's area is responsible for language comprehension.
37
What are the differences between language in the dominant and nondominant hemispheres?
The dominant hemisphere is involved in language production and analyzing the language content. However, the nondominant language is involved in the tone of language and the body language associated when the other person is speaking.
38
What are the main functions of the dominant hemisphere and what are the main functions of the nondominant hemisphere?
The dominant (left) hemisphere is good at reading, analyzing language content, speech production, math skills, logic, and complex voluntary movement. The nondominant (right) hemisphere is good at creativity, specifically facial recognition, music, emotions, geometry, and sense of direction due to spatial orientation.
39
What does the anterior cingulate cortex control?
The anterior cingulate cortex is involved in impulse control and decision making. Also plays a role in motivation and emotion.
40
What similar functions do the superior and inferior colliculi have in common and how do they differ?
Both the inferior and superior colliculi are involved in sensorimotor reflexes. However, the inferior colliculus receives auditory stimuli and the superior colliculus receives visual stimuli. Anything that scares us results in a relfex without higher cognitive processes.
41
What is the babinski reflex?
The babinski reflex is the extension of the big toe and fanning of other toes in response to brushing of the sole of the foot.
42
What is the moro reflex?
The moro reflex occurs in response to sudden head movements that results in arms that quickly extend and then slowly retract usually while crying.
43
What is the rooting reflex?
The rooting reflex is when an infant turns their head toward the direction of any object that touces their cheek.
44
What is the grasping reflex?
The grasping reflex is when an infant holds onto any object placed in their hand.
45
What are the two main themes that dictate the stages of motor develpment in early childhood?
Gross motor development proceeds from head to toe, and from core to periphery/extremities.

Kaplan Psychology/Sociology (7 decks)

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