CHAP 1 Biology and Behavior Flashcards
What is neuropsychology?
The study of the connection between nervous system functions and behavior.
What are the three types of neurons in the nervous system?
- Sensory (afferent) neurons
- Motor (efferent) neurons
- Interneurons
What is the role of interneurons in reflex arcs?
To relay information to the source of stimuli while simultaneously routing it to the brain.
What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?
- Central nervous system (CNS)
- Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
What are the two divisions of the peripheral nervous system?
- Somatic (voluntary) division
- Autonomic (automatic) division
What are the two branches of the autonomic nervous system?
- Parasympathetic (rest-and-digest)
- Sympathetic (fight-or-flight)
What are the three subdivisions of the brain?
- Hindbrain
- Midbrain
- Forebrain
What structures are contained within the hindbrain?
- Cerebellum
- Medulla oblongata
- Reticular formation
What structures are found in the midbrain?
- Inferior colliculi
- Superior colliculi
What structures are part of the forebrain?
- Thalamus
- Hypothalamus
- Basal ganglia
- Limbic system
- Cerebral cortex
What is the role of the thalamus?
A relay station for sensory information.
What is the function of the hypothalamus?
Maintains homeostasis and integrates with the endocrine system through the hypophyseal portal system.
What does the limbic system control?
Emotion and memory.
What is the function of the basal ganglia?
Smoothens movements and helps maintain postural stability.
What are the septal nuclei involved with?
Feelings of pleasure, pleasure-seeking behavior, and addiction.
What methods are used to study the brain?
- Studying humans and animals with lesions
- Electrical stimulation and activity recording (including EEG)
- Regional cerebral blood flow
What does the amygdala control?
Fear and aggression
What is the function of the hippocampus?
Consolidates memories and communicates with other parts of the limbic system through the fornix
How many lobes is the cerebral cortex divided into?
Four lobes
Name the four lobes of the cerebral cortex.
- Frontal
- Parietal
- Occipital
- Temporal
What functions does the frontal lobe control?
- Executive function
- Impulse control
- Long-term planning
- Motor function
- Speech production
What sensations does the parietal lobe control?
- Touch
- Pressure
- Temperature
- Pain
- Spatial processing
- Orientation
- Manipulation
What is the primary function of the occipital lobe?
Visual processing
What does the temporal lobe control?
- Sound processing
- Speech perception
- Memory
- Emotion
How is the brain divided in terms of hemispheres?
Into left and right cerebral hemispheres
Which hemisphere is dominant for language in most individuals?
Left hemisphere
What is the role of neurotransmitters?
Carry a signal to another neuron or effector (muscle fiber or gland)
What is the function of acetylcholine?
- Used by the somatic nervous system to move muscles
- Functions in the parasympathetic nervous system
- Involved in alertness in the central nervous system
What does dopamine maintain?
Smooth movements and steady posture
What role do endorphins and enkephalins play?
Act as natural painkillers
What is the function of epinephrine and norepinephrine?
- Maintain wakefulness and alertness
- Mediate fight-or-flight responses
How does epinephrine act differently from norepinephrine?
- Epinephrine tends to act as a hormone
- Norepinephrine acts more classically as a neurotransmitter
What is the role of y-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine in the brain?
Act as brain ‘stabilizers’
What is glutamate’s role in the brain?
Acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter
What does serotonin modulate?
- Mood
- Sleep patterns
- Eating patterns
- Dreaming
How is the endocrine system connected to the nervous system?
Through the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary, along with a few other hormones
What is cortisol?
A stress hormone released by the adrenal cortex
What roles do testosterone and estrogen play?
- Mediate libido
- Testosterone increases aggressive behavior
Where is testosterone produced in males?
In the testes
Where is estrogen produced in females?
In the ovaries
What physiological changes do epinephrine and norepinephrine cause?
Changes associated with the sympathetic nervous system
