Chapter 1 - Biology and Behavior Flashcards
Franz Gall
Developed doctrine of phrenology
Phrenology
If a particular trait was well-developed then the part of the brain responsible for that trait would expand
Pierre Flourens
Studied functions of the major sections of the brain
Extirpation (ablation)
Parts of the brain are surgically removed and the consequences are observed
William James
Founder of American Psychology
Functionalism
How mental processes help individuals adapt to their environment
John Dewey
Credited with the landmark article on functionalism; argued for studying the entire organism as a whole
Paul Broca
Correlated pathology with specific brain regions
Hermann von Helmholtz
Measured speed of nerve impulse
Sir Charles Sherrington
Inferred existence of snyapses
3 kinds of nerve cells
Sensory neurons, motor neurons, interneurons
Sensory neurons (afferent)
Transmit sensory info from receptors to spinal cord and brain
Motor neurons (efferent)
Transmit motor info from brain to muscles
Interneurons
Found between other neurons in brain and spinal cord; linked to reflexive behavior
Reflex arcs
Neural circuits that control reflexive behavior
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Brain and spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Nerve tissue and fibers
- 31 spinal nerves
- 12 cranial nerves
Somatic Nervous System
Sensory and motor neurons distributed throughout the skin, joints, and muscles
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
Manages involuntary muscles associated with many internal organs and glands
- Regulates heartbeat,respiration, digestion, and glandular secretions
- Regulates temperature
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Role is to conserve energy
- Associated with resting and sleeping states, managing digestion
- Acetylcholine is responsible for responses
Sympathetic Nervous System
Activated by stress; “fight or flight”
Meninges
Thick, three-layered sheath of connective tissue
Cerebrospinal fluid
Aqueous solution that nourishes the brain and spinal cord and provides protective cushion
Meninge layers (inner to outer)
pia mater, arachnoid mater, dura mater
Brain divided into 3 parts:
Hindbrain, midbrain, forebrain
Hindbrain
Controls balance, motor coordination, breathing, digestion, and general arousal processes
- Vital functions necessary for survival
Hindbrain structures
Medulla Oblongata
Pons
Cerebellum
Medulla oblongata
Regulates vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and digestion
Pons
sensory and motor pathways between the cortex and the medulla
Cerebellum
Helps maintain posture and balance and coordinates body movements
Midbrain
Receives sensory and motor info from the body
- Associated with involuntary reflex responses triggered by visual or auditory stimuli
Midbrain Structures
Superior and Inferior Colliculus
Superior Colliculus
Receives visual sensory input
Inferior Colliculus
Receives auditory sensory input
Forebrain
Associated with complex perceptual, cognitive, and behavioral processes
- Intellectual and emotional capacities
Forebrain Structures
Crebral cortex
Basal Ganglia
Limbic System
Thalamus
Hypothalamus
Neuropsychology
Study of the functions and behaviors associated with specific regions of the brain
- Brain lesions
- Cortical maps
Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF)
Detects broad patterns of neural activity based on increased blood flow to different parts of the brain
Computed tomography (CT/CAT scan)
multiple x-rays are taken at different angles and processed by a computer to produce cross-sectional images of the tissue
PET Scan
radioactive sugar is injected and absorbed into the body, and its dispersion and uptake throughout the target tissue is images
MRI
magnetic filed that interacts with hydrogen atoms is used to map out hydrogen dense regions of the body
fmri
measures changes associated with blood flow