Central Nervous System Architecture

Question 1

What is novichok and how does it work?

Answer 1

Nerve agent

Inhibits the enzymatic degradation of acetylcholine so it stays active in the synapse and disrupts normal synaptic neurotransmission

Question 2

What part of the body does pain initiate?

Answer 2

The spinal cord

Question 3

What part of the brain does an evolutionary threat initiate?

Answer 3

The sensorimotor mid brain

Question 4

What part of the brain does a learned threat initiate?

Answer 4

The cortex and limbic system

Question 5

What are some examples of specific functions carried out by specific structures? (5)

Answer 5

• Energy balance
• Fluid balance
• Temperature regulation
• Defence
• Reproduction

Question 6

Give an example of an area of the brain that controls a specific function

Answer 6

Sensorimotor function, control of eye movement

The midbrain superior colliculus

Question 7

Give some examples of generic functions carried out by generic systems (4)

Answer 7

• Sensorimotor calibration/skill
• Episodic memory
• Selection/attention
• Reinforcement

Question 8

What are 3 examples of generic processing systems?

Answer 8

1. The cerebellum
2. The hippocampus
3. The basal ganglia

Question 9

What are some forms of treatment for novichok poisoning?

Answer 9

• Atropine- an ACh receptor blocker
• Drugs which re-activate AChE
• Life-support

Question 10

What are the characteristics of systems with generic functions?

Answer 10

Repeating micro-architecture

Process information received from regions performing widely differing functions