Brain Architecture CM Flashcards
How are biological characteristics linked to evolution?
they (brain) are ‘sculpted’ to solve life’s problems
What are evolutionary problems solved by brains?
- Staying alive
- Reproduction
3.
Sensory process=
the ability to appreciate the physical world
Motor systems=
the ability to move and interact with the world
Integrate information=
an appreciation of context (make plans)
how many years have the core basic processing units of the brain been around?
around 300 million years
What is the front of the brain called?
anterior
What is the back of the brain called?
posterior
What is the top of the brain called?
Superior dorsal
What is the bottom of the brain called?
Inferior ventral
What are the sides of the brain called?
lateral
Two systems in the brain with specific functions?
- visual cortex- primary sensory area processing information from eye
- Hand area in motor cortex and trigeminal motor nucleus in brain stem, both primary motor structures providing commands for fine finger movements and mouth.
What is the trigeminal motor nucleus?
a primary motor structure in the brain providing commands for fine mouth movements
system in the brain with a generic function?
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
name 4 generic functions carried out by structures with wide connections
- sensorimotor calibration
- episodic memory
- attention
- reinforcement
approximately how many neurons does the cerebellum contain
half total number of CNS neurons
how many % of the bain weight accounts for the cerebellum?
10%
to where does the cerebellum project in the brain?
almost all upper motor neurons
what are the behavioural characteristics when the cerebellum is damaged?
movements become jerky, erratic and poorly co-ordinated
what happens to voluntary movement when the cerebellum is damaged?
loses fluidity and becomes robot-like and mechanical
what structures connect to the cerebellum?
sensorimotor, cognitive and affective/motivational
What system is the hippocampus a part of?
the limbic system
what is the role of the hippocampus?
critical for episodic memory
construction of mental images
vital for short term memory
spatial memory and navigation
Basal ganglia consists of 4 subcortical nuclei:
- Striatum
- Globus pallidus
- Subthalamic nucleus
- Substantia nigra
Two functions of the basal ganglia
selection
reinforcement learning
How does the selection function of the basal ganglia work?
deciding between competing options
sticking with choice until task is completed
avoiding distraction from less important stimuli
How does the reinforcement learning function of the basal ganglia work?
Do things that have good consequences again
The functions of the basal ganglia are ______ for ______
- essential
2. survival
