Biological and Lifespan Psychology Flashcards
Name the four lobes of the brain
Frontal Lobe
Parietal Lobe
Temporal Lobe
Occipital Lobe
Name the major region of the brain that contains the thalamus
Forebrain
Impact = Loss of vital activities over which we have no control such as heart rate and beathing. What area of the brain has been damaged?
Medulla
The Cerebellum has been damaged, what is the effect of this?
Issues with coordination, balance, and depth perception
What is the area responsible for bodily sensations such as temperature and touch?
Primary sensory cortex (located the cerebellum in the parietal lobe)
What area is responsible for the ability to speak?
Brocca’s area in the left frontal lobe
What is the prefrontal cortex responsible for
Emotion control, errors in higher cognitive functions, risk behavior
Describe the location, structure and function of the corpus callosum
Located in the longitudal fissure, it is
one of the largest white matter structures in the brain and is made up of over 200 million neuronal connections and is responsible for communication between the two hemispheres
The hemispheres of the brain have contralateral control over the body. Describe what this means and provide an example to support your answer.
Contralateral control means that each hemisphere of the brain controls the opposite side of the body. This occurs because most of the neural pathways that carry sensory and motor signals cross over from one side of the brain to the opposite side of the body at the brainstem level.
For example, the right hemisphere of the brain controls movement and sensory perception for the left side of the body, while the left hemisphere controls the right side
Frida is exceptional at maths and is able to write very comprehensive reports. State the hemisphere pf the brain that is dominant in this scenario
The Left hemisphere
What are the subsections of the central nervous system
Brain
Spinal cord
What are the subsections of the Peripheral nervous system
autonomic nervous system
somatic nervous system
What are the subsections of the autonomic nervous system
parasympathetic system
sympathetic system
What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system
to prepare the body to respond to danger increases blood flow, stops digestion, dilates pupils. Often referred to as fight or flight response
What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system
Returns the body to normal functioning and homeostasis after danger has passed. Slows heart rate, begins digestion again. Often referred to as rest and digest response
Phineas Gage experienced a traumatic accident whilst working on the railway in 1848, when a metal rod was forced through his mouth and into his brain.
Explain why the accident was not fatal to Phineas
The tamping iron did not damage the brain stem and cerebellum, the parts of the brain responsible for autonomic survival functions (heartbeat, breathing etc.) but instead only damaged his frontal lobe, involved with emotions and personality
Fill in the blanks in regard to Neural Transmittions:
An _________________________ arrives at the _______ terminal causing the ___________________ to bind to the membrane. The __________________ is released and _____________ across the synapse where they bind with specific ________________
Action potential
Axon
Vesicles
Neurotransmitter
Diffuse
Receptors
Describe the direction of the nerve impulse in a neuron
The nerve impulse goes from cell body to axon to axon terminals
What is the function of a motor neuron
to send impulses from the central nervous system to the peripheral nervous system
What are the functions of the myelin sheath
The myelin sheath protects the axon and helps increase the speed of transmission of the electrical impulse down the axon.
What are the three parts of the biopsychological model
Biological factors
Psychological factors
Social factors
Biological Factors
genes, hormones, immune function, stress response, brain function, nervous system function, genetic vulnerabilities
Psychological Factors
cognitive processes: learning and memory systems, self-concept, emotional regulation, perceptions, thought processes including belief and attitudes, personality traits and coping skills
Social Factors
relationships, social networks, environmental factors, living conditions, access to health care and education, social disadvantage or deprivation, family support and family circumstances
Describe a Sensitive period
A sensitive period is a stage during biological maturation when an organism is most able to gain a particular skill or characteristic. A sensitive period begins and ends gradually. It is a period of maximal brain growth, after which development within a particular area will take more effort, be slower, and be incomplete
Describe a Critical Period
Critical periods of development involve a stage, usually early in the life span, when an organism is most open to acquiring a specific cognitive or motor skill or socio-emotional competence, as a normal part of development, that cannot be acquired normally at a later stage of development. If the organism does not receive the necessary exposure to appropriate stimuli, further development of this ability will generally not occur.
What is the role of the Brain
The brain is the body’s master information-processing and decision-making organ. It receives, processes and interprets information received from the body’s sensory systems, which it integrates and forms a response to. It then sends motor messages out to all parts of the body so that coordinated and appropriate responses can be made.
What is the function, location, and sub structures of the Hind Brain
It is located at the base of the brain near the back of the skull. The hindbrain is responsible for lower-brain functions that occur without any conscious effort. These functions include: »control of basic autonomic survival functions such as heart rate, breathing, sleep and arousal; these functions are automatic and do not require conscious effort »coordination of voluntary muscle movements, balance, posture and reflexive actions such as coughing, swallowing and vomiting.
The hindbrain is made up of the following structures: »the pons »the medulla »the cerebellum.
Describe the location, structure and function of the medulla
The medulla (also known as the medulla oblongata) is the lowest part of the brain. It connects the brain and the spinal cord.
The medulla is located at the base of the brain stem, in front of the cerebellum (Figure 4.8). It sits below the pons and above the spinal cord.
»relays information between the spinal cord and the brain
»regulates vital involuntary bodily functions (such as swallowing, digestion, breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, vomiting, salivating, coughing, gagging and sneezing) by communicating with the autonomic nervous system (ANS), the part of the nervous system responsible for energizing and arousing the body, and directing various body systems to change their level of activity according to the needs of the body.
Describe the location, structure, and function of the cerebellum
The cerebellum is often referred to as the ‘little brain’. This is mainly due to its wrinkly appearance, similar to the outer layer of the entire brain (cerebral cortex). The cerebellum has several functions relating to coordination and movement.
The cerebellum is located at the rear of the brain stem (Figure 4.8), beneath the occipital and temporal lobes.
»Helps coordinate voluntary movement and balance by relaying motor information to and from the cerebral cortex
»Receives information from the spinal cord, sensory systems and other parts of the brain and combines this information so we can adjust our posture, muscle tone and muscular coordination to fit our circumstance
»Helps to coordinate the timing and force of the different muscle groups that act together during a voluntary movement, so that we have smooth limb and body movements.
»Is believed to play a role in motor learning, where motor skills are improved through practice.
What is the function, location, and sub structures of the Mid Brain
The midbrain is a small area of the brain that connects the hindbrain and the forebrain. It is located below the cerebral cortex and at the top of the hindbrain. The midbrain plays a crucial role in processing information related to hearing, vision, movement, pain, sleep and arousal. Its systems help to keep us alert, awake and attentive. The reticular formation is one important structure located in the midbrain.
Describe the location, structure, and function of the Reticular Formation
The reticular formation is a complex network of neurons responsible for coordinating the function of many vital brain systems necessary for survival.
The reticular formation extends throughout the length of the brainstem, from the spinal cord to the midbrain
»Stimulates the brain by bombarding it with important sensory information, which keeps the cerebral cortex active and alert (we experience this as a state of conscious awareness). This helps us selectively focus our attention because unimportant information is ignored and doesn’t receive any further processing.
has side branches of the nerve fibers from sensory neurons leading into it, and these branches filter incoming sensory information, sorting it into two categories: important and unimportant. They also stimulate the reticular formation to send its own nerve impulses up towards the cortex, arousing the cortex to a state of alertness and activity
»controls our physiological arousal and awareness and muscle tone by regulating the function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS); therefore, it helps to regulate the sleep–wake cycle.
What is the function, location, and sub structures of the Fore Brain
The forebrain is located above the midbrain towards the top of the brain. It is the largest, most complex and highly developed region of the brain. It contains a variety of structures that are responsible for our most complex processes. These include emotions, motivations, sensations, perceptions, learning, memory and reasoning.
The forebrain contains three distinct areas:
»The hypothalamus
»The thalamus
»The cerebrum.
Describe the location, structure, and function of the Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus is a peanut-sized structure that weighs approximately 4 grams.
The hypothalamus is located just below the thalamus (near the brainstem)
»Maintains homeostasis
»Regulates the release of hormones that help us achieve a particular physiological state
»By the release of hormones, influences behaviors associated with basic biological needs, such as hunger and thirst.
»Controls the brain’s internal ‘body clock’,
»regulates our appetite, thirst and body temperature.
Describe the location, structure, and function of the Thalamus
The thalamus consists of two small egg-shaped structures (thalami) joined together, which are positioned in the Centre of the brain, on top of the brain stem.
»It acts as a relay system for sensory messages on their way to the cerebral cortex (outer layer of the brain). Information from all senses travels up the spinal cord and into the thalamus (except smell [olfaction], which has its own route to the brain). The thalamus analyses the information and directs it to appropriate sensory areas of the cerebral cortex.
»It conducts motor signals and relays information from the brain stem to the cortex.
»It coordinates shifts in consciousness such as waking up and falling asleep.
»It is capable of regulating itself, and consequently allows us to automatically focus attention on those stimuli or inputs that are more important, while filtering out unnecessary information. The thalamus does this by working with the reticular formation. This attention function is like an on-off switch and is related to the level of activity in the rest of the nervous system.
Describe the location, structure, and function of the Cerebrum
The cerebrum is the largest and most highly developed part of the brain. It is located at the top of the forebrain and lies over and around most brain structures. It is responsible for most of our conscious actions.
The cerebrum’s outer layer is the cerebral cortex, the brain area responsible for higher cognitive functions, voluntary movement, emotions and personality. The cerebrum can be divided into two parts: the left and right hemispheres. Both hemispheres are mostly symmetrical in their anatomical structure; however, they differ in their functions (Left hemisphere = verbal and analytical functions. Right hemisphere = non-verbal functions)
Explain the functions of the Left Hemisphere
The left hemisphere controls the functions of the right side of the body and is responsible for the verbal and analytical functions.
The left hemisphere controls language function in these ways:
»Approximately 95 per cent of people have their language centers (Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area) in the left hemisphere.
»The ability to communicate our awareness using spoken or written language depends on left hemisphere function. Most adults use the left hemisphere for speaking, writing, reading and understanding language.
The left hemisphere controls analytical function in these ways:
»It breaks information into parts and processes it sequentially (Springer & Deutsch, 1998).
»It focuses on small details, so its focus is local (Heinze et al., 1998; Hellige, 1993; Hübner, 1998).
»It is involved in a person having superior ability at mathematics, judging time and rhythm, and coordinating the order of complex movements, such as those needed for speech.
Explain the functions of the right hemisphere
The right hemisphere controls the functions of the left side of the body and is responsible for the non-verbal functions.
The right hemisphere controls information processing in these ways:
»It processes information simultaneously (at the same time) and holistically (all at once) (Springer & Deutsch, 1998).
»It is involved in a person having superior ability at assembling pieces of information into a coherent image, because it identifies overall patterns and general connections and it has a global focus (Heinze et al., 1998; Hellige, 1993; Hübner, 1998).
The right hemisphere is involved in non-verbal communication in these ways:
»For 95 per cent of adults, the right hemisphere can only produce the simplest language and numbers. To answer questions using functions of the right hemisphere means using non-verbal responses, such as pointing at objects or drawing them. »It contributes to the understanding of language by allowing us to see the overall context in which something is said (Beeman & Chiarello, 1998). This helps us understand nuances of language such as jokes, irony and sarcasm. »It is more dominant in detecting and expressing emotion non-verbally (Borod et al., 1998; Christianson et al., 1995).
The right hemisphere is dominant in spatial skills and visual skills such as recognising patterns, faces and melodies; putting together a puzzle; reading a map or interpreting a painting.
What is a Soma
Cell body (soma): contain a nucleus that controls the maintenance and function of the cell. Passes information to the dendrites
What are Dendrites
fine branches that receive incoming
information from other neurons and transmit it to the cell body. More dendrites means more information can be taken in
What is an Axon
transfers information over large distances. Information is passed from the cells body to other neurons or to cells in glands and muscles
What are the axon terminals
ending of the axon (bulbous
shaped), and make synaptic connections with other
nerve cells
What is a myelin sheath
fatty tissue that surrounds the axon
and is periodically interrupted, leaving gaps of exposed axon; known as Nodes of Ranvier. The myelin sheath speeds up signal transmission
What is the role of a synapse
Chemical signals are passed through the synaptic gap Transmission of information occurs through chemical signals triggered by an electric impulse from the neuron
What is the role of neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit across neurons in the
synaptic gap dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, endorphins
Function of the Frontal Lobe
controls voluntary movement, behaviour, personality
Function of the Temporal Lobe
receive and process auditory information
Function of the Parietal Lobe
integrates sensory information
Function of the Occipital Lobe
receive and process visual information
Function of Brocca’s area
production of clear, fluent, and articulate speech
Function of Wernick’s area
involved in comprehension of speech, interpreting sounds, and locating appropriate words to express meaning
Function of the Pre-Frontal Cortex
process moment-to-moment input from surroundings, compare that input to past experiences, and then react
Function of the Primary motor cortex (Frontal Lobe)
higher executive functioning, problem solving, planning, organisations
Function of Primary sensory cortex (Parietal Lobe):
integration of sensory input, touch, pain, temperature, movement
Function of Primary auditory cortex (Temporal Lobe)
receives and processes auditory information from the ears, has different locations for
different aspects of sound (pitch, frequency, etc.)
Function of Primary visual cortex (Occipital Lobe)
receives visual information from photoreceptors in the back of the eye
allows us to form visual perceptions (colour, shape, motion), think visually, and remember visual things
What does Brain Plasticity Refer to
The brain can create and reinforce new neural pathways to learn new skills, habits and ways of thinking. Allows teenagers to become functionally smarter and take ownership of their learning
What are the two kinds of Plasticity with definitions
Adaptive plasticity: ability to learn new information and skills
Developmental plasticity: changes in neural connections as a result of
environmental interactions and neural changes from learning
What are the stages of plasticity
Proliferation
Migration
Circuit formation
Synaptic pruning
Myelination
Define Proliferation
first stage in the development of the nervous system, where cells multiply
Define Migration
movement of newly formed neurons
Define Circuit Formation
axons of new neurons growing out to target cells and form synapses with them
Define Synaptic Pruning
elimination of excess neurons growing out to target
cells
Define Myelination
a process in the brain where the axons of the neurons become covered in myelin
What is a Schema
Mental structures/ concepts that help to organize and interpret
information
Define Assimilation
schema takes in new experiences and builds knowledge
Define Accommodation
schema change to incorporate new experiences into already gained knowledge
Define Equilibrium
cognitive conflict is an unpleasant experience and people want to gain a sense of stability by aligning schemas with experiences
Define Disequilibrium
schemas and experiences do not always align and make sense which causes cognitive conflict and disequilibrium
