Brain Architecture CM

Question 1

How are biological characteristics linked to evolution?

Answer 1

they (brain) are ‘sculpted’ to solve life’s problems

Question 2

What are evolutionary problems solved by brains?

Answer 2

1. Staying alive
2. Reproduction
   3.

Question 3

Sensory process=

Answer 3

the ability to appreciate the physical world

Question 4

Motor systems=

Answer 4

the ability to move and interact with the world

Question 5

Integrate information=

Answer 5

an appreciation of context (make plans)

Question 6

how many years have the core basic processing units of the brain been around?

Answer 6

around 300 million years

Question 7

What is the front of the brain called?

Answer 7

anterior

Question 8

What is the back of the brain called?

Answer 8

posterior

Question 9

What is the top of the brain called?

Answer 9

Superior dorsal

Question 10

What is the bottom of the brain called?

Answer 10

Inferior ventral

Question 11

What are the sides of the brain called?

Answer 11

lateral

Question 12

Two systems in the brain with specific functions?

Answer 12

1. visual cortex- primary sensory area processing information from eye
2. Hand area in motor cortex and trigeminal motor nucleus in brain stem, both primary motor structures providing commands for fine finger movements and mouth.

Question 13

What is the trigeminal motor nucleus?

Answer 13

a primary motor structure in the brain providing commands for fine mouth movements

Question 14

system in the brain with a generic function?

Answer 14

a structure with repeating micro-architecture that processes information received from regions performing different functions, leads to generic functions required for most tasks - attention, memories

Question 15

name 4 generic functions carried out by structures with wide connections

Answer 15

• sensorimotor calibration
• episodic memory
• attention
• reinforcement

Question 16

approximately how many neurons does the cerebellum contain

Answer 16

half total number of CNS neurons

Question 17

how many % of the bain weight accounts for the cerebellum?

Answer 17

10%

Question 18

to where does the cerebellum project in the brain?

Answer 18

almost all upper motor neurons

Question 19

what are the behavioural characteristics when the cerebellum is damaged?

Answer 19

movements become jerky, erratic and poorly co-ordinated

Question 20

what happens to voluntary movement when the cerebellum is damaged?

Answer 20

loses fluidity and becomes robot-like and mechanical

Question 21

what structures connect to the cerebellum?

Answer 21

sensorimotor, cognitive and affective/motivational

Question 22

What system is the hippocampus a part of?

Answer 22

the limbic system

Question 23

what is the role of the hippocampus?

Answer 23

critical for episodic memory
construction of mental images
vital for short term memory
spatial memory and navigation

Question 24

Basal ganglia consists of 4 subcortical nuclei:

Answer 24

1. Striatum
2. Globus pallidus
3. Subthalamic nucleus
4. Substantia nigra

Question 25

Two functions of the basal ganglia

Answer 25

selection

reinforcement learning

Question 26

How does the selection function of the basal ganglia work?

Answer 26

deciding between competing options
sticking with choice until task is completed
avoiding distraction from less important stimuli

Question 27

How does the reinforcement learning function of the basal ganglia work?

Answer 27

Do things that have good consequences again

Question 28

The functions of the basal ganglia are ______ for ______

Answer 28

1. essential

2. survival