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MCAT Psychology and Sociology > Chapter 1: Biology and Behavior > Flashcards

Chapter 1: Biology and Behavior Flashcards

1
Q

Franz Gall

A

1758-1828

  • If particular trait was well-developed, then the part of the brain responsible for that trait would expand and push the area of that skull and create a bulge.
  • Developed phrenology (measure psychological attributes by feeling or measuring the skull)
  • Phrenology shown to be false.
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2
Q

Pierre Flourens

A

1794-1867

  • Studied the functions of the major sections of the brain.
  • Performed extirpations/ablations (surgically remove various parts of the brain and observe behavioral consequences)
  • Asserted that specific parts of the brain were responsible for specific functions
  • Asserted that removal of one part of the brain weakens the whole brain.
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3
Q

William James

A

1842-1910

  • View formed first of theories in functionalism.
  • Functionalism: system of thought in psychology that studied how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environments.
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4
Q

John Dewey

A

1859-1952

  • Wrote an article that criticized the reflex arc, which breaks the process of reacting to a stimulus into discrete parts
  • Stated that it is more important to focus on the study of the organism as a whole as it functioned to adapt to the environment.
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5
Q

Paul Broca

A

1824-1880

  • Observed the behavioral deficits of people with brain damage
  • Demonstrated people with specific brain lesions are linked to specific functional impairments.
  • Broca’s area (lesion would cause impairment in speech production) named after him
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6
Q

Hermann von Helmholtz

A

1821-1894

*First to measure speed of a nerve impulse

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7
Q

Sir Charles Sherrington

A

1857-1952

  • Discovered the existence of synapses
  • Thought synaptic transmission is electrical, but was found to be electrochemical.
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8
Q

Afferent Neurons

A
  • Also called sensory neurons

* Transmits sensory information from receptors to the spinal cord and brain

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9
Q

Efferent Neurons

A
  • Also called motor neurons

* Transmits motor information from the brain and spinal cord to muscles and glands.

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10
Q

Interneurons

A
  • Found between other neurons.
  • Most numerous type of neurons.
  • Located predominately in the brain and spinal cord
  • Linked to reflexive behavior
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11
Q

Types of Neurons

A
  1. Sensory Neurons
  2. Motor Neurons
  3. Interneurons
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12
Q

Reflexive Arcs

A

Neural circuits that control reflexive behavior

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13
Q

Divisions of the Nervous System

A
  1. Central Nervous System

2. Peripheral Nervous System

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14
Q

Central Nervous System (CNS)

A
  • Composed of brain and spinal cord

* Also olfactory and optic nerves are outgrowths of the CNS

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15
Q

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

A
  • Composed of nerve tissue and fibers outside the brain and spinal cord.
  • Includes 31 pairs of spinal nerves and 10 of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves.
  • PNS connects CNS to the rest of the body.
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16
Q

Divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System

A
  1. Autonomic Nervous System

2. Somatic Nervous System

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17
Q

Somatic Nervous System

A

Composed of sensory (afferent) neurons and motor (efferent) neurons distributed through the skin, joints, and muscles.

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18
Q

Autonomic Nervous System

A
  • Regulates involuntary functions
    (i. e. respiration, heartbeat, digestion, glandular secretions, and temperature control)

Autonomic -> Automatic functions

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19
Q

Divisions of Autonomic Nervous System

A
  1. Sympathetic Nervous System

2. Parasympathetic Nervous System

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20
Q

Parasympathetic Nervous System

A
  • Rest and Digest
  • Purpose: To conserve energy
  • Responsible Neurotransmitter: Acetycholine
  • Functions:
    1. Constricts pupils
    2. Stimulates salivary glands
    3. Constricts bronchi
    4. Slows heartbeat
    5. Stimulates peristalsis and secretion
    6. Stimulates bile release
    7. Contracts bladder
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21
Q

Sympathetic Nervous System

A
  • Fight or Flight
  • Activated by stress
  • Responsible Neurotransmitter: Epinephrine
  • Functions:
    1. Dilates pupils
    2. Inhibits salivary glands
    3. Relaxes bronchi
    4. Increases heartbeat
    5. Stimulates piloerection and sweating
    6. Inhibits peristalsis and secretion
    7. Stimulates glucose production and release
    8. Inhibits bladder contraction
    9. Stimulates orgasm
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22
Q

Meninges

A

Thick sheath of connective tissue that covers the brain

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23
Q

Functions of Meninges

A
  1. Protects the brain
  2. Keeps it anchored within the skull
  3. Resorbs cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
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24
Q

Meninges Layers

A
  1. Dura Mater
  2. Arachnoid Mater
  3. Pia Mater
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25
Q

Cerebrospinal Fluid

A
  • The aqueous solution in which the brain and spinal cord rests
  • Produced by specialized cells that line the ventricles (internal cavities) of the brain.
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26
Q

Basic Subdivisions of the Brain

A
  1. Forebrain
  2. Midbrain
  3. Hindbrain
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27
Q

Brainstem

A
  • Composed of the midbrain and hindbrain.
  • Most primitive region of the brain
  • Developed earlier
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28
Q

Forebrain

A
  • *Forebrain developed after midbrain and hindbrain.
  • *Associated with complex perceptual, cognitive, and behavioral processes.
  • *Associated with emotion and memory.
  • *Part of brain that has the greatest influence on behavior

Parts:

  1. Cerebral Cortex
  2. Basal Ganglia
  3. Limbic System
  4. Thalamus
  5. Hypothalamus
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29
Q

Cerebral Cortex

A
  • Most recent evolutionary development.

* Responsible for complex perceptual, cognitive, and behavioral processes

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30
Q

Basal Ganglia

A

Controls movement.

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31
Q

Limbic system

A

Controls emotion and memory.

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32
Q

Thalamus

A

Sensory relay station

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33
Q

Hypothalamus

A
  • Controls hunger and thirst.

* Controls emotion.

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34
Q

Midbrain

A
  • Part of the brainstem.
  • Above the hindbrain.
  • Receives sensory and motor information from the rest of the body.
  • Associated with involuntary reflex responses.
  • Parts:
    1. Inferior and superior colliculi
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35
Q

Inferior and Superior Colliculi

A

Sensorimotor reflexes

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36
Q

Superior Colliculi

A

Receives visual sensory input

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37
Q

Inferior Colliculi

A

Receives auditory sensory input.

i.e. Reflex rxns to sudden loud noises

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38
Q

Hindbrain

A

*Part of the brainstem.

  • Parts:
    1. Cerebellum
    2. Reticular Formation
    3. Medulla Oblongata
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39
Q

Cerebellum

A
  • Located at top of hindbrain.
  • Controls refined motor movements.
  • Maintains posture and balance.
  • Coordinates body movements.
  • Damage results in clumsiness, slurred speech, and loss of balance.
  • Alcohol impairs cerebellum’s functioning.
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40
Q

Medulla oblongata

A
  • Located at bottom of the hindbrain.

* Controls vital functions (i.e. breathing, digestion, blood pressure, and heart rate)

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41
Q

Reticular Formation

A

Responsible for arousal and alertness

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42
Q

What structure does the brain develop from?

A

Neural Tube

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43
Q

Subdivisions of Embryonic Brain

A
  1. Prosencephalon (Forebrain)
  2. Mesencephalon (Midbrain)
  3. Rhombencephalon (Hindbrain)
44
Q

Subdivisions of Rhombencephalon

A
  1. Metencephalon -> Cerebellum and Pons

2. Myelencephalon -> Medulla Oblongata

45
Q

Subdivisions of Prosencephalon

A
  1. Telencephalon -> Cerebral cortex, Basal ganglia, Limbic system
  2. Diencephalon -> Hypothalamus, Thalamus, Posterior Pituitary, Pineal gland
46
Q

Pons

A
  • Part of the hindbrain and lies above medulla.

* Contains sensory and motor pathways between the medulla and the cortex.

47
Q

Neuropsychology

A

Study of functions and behaviors associated with specific regions of the brain.

48
Q

Methods in Neuropsychology

A
  1. Studying patients with brain lesions.
  2. Creating lesions in brains of animals and observing behaviors.
  3. Electrically stimulating and recording brain activity
49
Q

Cortical maps

A

Created by neurosurgeons from electrical stimulation of the brain. Patients’ assistance is needed.

50
Q

Are there pain receptors in the brain?

A

No, there are no pain receptors in the brain.

51
Q

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A
  • Involves placing several electrodes on the scalp. *Detects and records broad patterns of electrical activity generated by large groups of neurons.
  • NONINVASIVE, commonly used on humans
  • Used in studies on sleep, seizures, and brain lesions
52
Q

Regional Cerebral Blood Flow (rCBF)

A
  • Detects broad patterns of neural activity based on increased blood flow to the different parts of the brain.
  • Relies on the assumption that when a specific cognitive function activates certain regions of the brain, the blood flow to those regions increases.
53
Q

Thalamus

A
  • Receives incoming sensory impulses for all senses (EXCEPT smell). Then it sorts and transmits the info to appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex.
  • It is a relay station.
54
Q

Hypothalamus

A
  • Serves homeostatic functions by controlling endocrine functions.
  • Key role in emotional experiences during high arousal states, aggressive behavior, and sexual behavior.
  • Regulates metabolism, temperature, and water balance.
55
Q

Subdivisions of the Hypothalamus

A
  1. Lateral Hypothalamus
  2. Ventromedial Hypothalamus
  3. Anterior Hypothalamus
56
Q

Lateral Hypothalamus (LH)

A
  • Hunger center
  • Triggers eating and drinking
  • If it is destroyed, one will lack hunger and thirst

Lack Hunger

57
Q

Ventromedial hypothaalmus (VMH)

A
  • Satiety center
  • Provides signals to stop eating
  • If destroyed, leads to obesity

Very Much Hungry

58
Q

Anterior Hypothalamus

A
  • Controls sexual behavior
  • Regulates sleep and body temperature
  • If destroyed, one is asexual
59
Q

Functions of the Hypothalamus

A
  1. Feeding
  2. Fornicating
  3. Fighting
  4. Flighting
60
Q

Posterior Pituitary Gland

A
  • Develops from the diencephalon
  • Is the site of release of oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
  • ADH also known as vasopressin.
61
Q

Pineal gland

A
  • Develops from the diencephalon.
  • Is the site of melatonin release.
  • It receives direct signals from the retina for coordination with sunlight.
62
Q

Melatonin

A

Regulates circadian rhythms

63
Q

Basal Ganglia

A
  • Develops from the telencephalon.
  • Receives information from the cortex to the brain and spinal cord via the extrapyramidal motor system.
  • Controls smooth movement and steady posture.
64
Q

Extrapyramidal Motor System

A

Gathers information about body position and carries this information to the central nervous system

65
Q

Parkinson’s Disease

A
  • Results from damage of basal ganglia.
  • Characteristics: Jerky movements and uncontrolled resting tremors.
  • May also play a role in schizophrenia and OCD.
66
Q

Limbic system

A

*Associated with emotion and memory.

67
Q

Subdivisions of Limbic System

A
  1. Septal Nuclei
  2. Amygdala
  3. Hippocampus
68
Q

Septal Nuclei

A
  • Pleasure center

* Associated with addictive behavior

69
Q

Amygdala

A

*Responsible for aggressive and defensive behaviors, including rage and fear

70
Q

What are the behaviors resulting from lesions in the amygdala?

A
  • Reduction in aggression and fear rxns.

* Results in docility and and hypersexual states.

71
Q

What disease results from damage to the basal ganglia?

A

Parkinson’s disease

72
Q

What happens when anterior hypothalamus is destroyed?

A

One is asexual.

73
Q

What happens when ventromedial hypothalamus is destroyed?

A

One is very much hungry.

74
Q

What happens when lateral hypothalamus is destroyed?

A

One lacks hunger.

75
Q

Hippocampus

A
  • Associated with learning and memory.
  • Helps consolidate info to form long-term memories
  • Redistributes remote memories to cerebral cortex.
76
Q

Fornix

A

A long projection through which the hippocampus communicates with other portions of the limbic system

77
Q

Anterograde Amnesia

A
  • Not being able to form new long-term memories after brain injury.
  • BUT memory for events that occurred before brain injury still intact.
78
Q

Retrograde Amnesia

A

Memory loss of events that occurred before brain injury.

79
Q

Cerebral Cortex

A
  • Outer surface of the brain.
  • Also called the neocortex (most recent development).
  • Associated with complex perceptual, cognitive, and behavioral processes.
80
Q

Gyri

A

Bumps of the cerebral cortex.

81
Q

Sulci

A

Folds of the cerebral cortex.

82
Q

What is the purpose of gyri and sulci in the cerebral cortex?

A

It increases surface area.

83
Q

Cerebral hemispheres

A

2 halves in which the cerebrum is divided into

84
Q

Subdivisions of Cerebral Cortex

A
  1. Frontal Lobe
  2. Parietal Lobe
  3. Temporal Lobe
  4. Occipital Lobe
85
Q

Frontal Lobe

A

*Consists of the prefrontal cortex, primary motor cortex, Broca’s area.

86
Q

Prefrontal Cortex

A
  • Manages executive function by supervising and directing the operations of other brain regions.
  • Supervises processes associated with perception, memory, emotion, impulse control, and long-term planning.
87
Q

Association area

A
  • Area that integrates input from diverse brain regions.

i. e. Prefrontal cortex

88
Q

Projection area

A

Areas that perform more simple perceptual and motor tasks.

i.e. visual cortex and primary
motor cortex

89
Q

What happens when there is damage to the prefrontal cortex?

A
  • Impairs overall supervisory functions

* Person may be more impulsive, less control of his/her behavior, or depressed.

90
Q

Primary Motor Cortex

A
  • Located on precentral gyrus
  • Initiates voluntary motor movements by sending neural impulses down the spinal cord toward the muscles.
  • Organizational pattern follows motor homunculus.
91
Q

Motor Homunculus

A
  • Organizational pattern of the primary motor cortex.
  • Certain sets of muscles require finer motor control than others and they take up additional space in the cortex relative to their size in the body.
92
Q

Broca’s Area

A
  • Associated with speech production.

* Found in the left hemisphere.

93
Q

Parietal Lobe

A
  • Located at to the rear of frontal lobe.
  • Is a projection area
  • Is the destination for all incoming sensory signals for touch, pressure, temperature, and pain.
  • Central region associated with spatial processing and manipulation
  • Integrates sensory info to form a single perception
  • Also contains somatosensory cortex
94
Q

Somatosensory cortex

A
  • Located in the partietal lobe.

* Involved in somatosensory information processing.

95
Q

Occipital Lobe

A
  • Located at rear of brain
  • Contains visual/striate cortex
  • Associated with visual processing
  • Also implicated in learning and motor control
96
Q

Temporal Lobe

A
  • Contains auditory cortex and Wernicke’s area

* Functions in memory processing emotion, and language

97
Q

Auditory cortex

A

Primary site of most sound processing (speech, music, and other sound info)

98
Q

Wernicke’s area

A

*Associated with language reception and comprehension

99
Q

Are the lobes of the brain completely independent of each other?

A

The lobes are not completely independent of each other.

100
Q

Which senses are processed contralaterally?

A

Vision
Hearing
Touch

101
Q

Which senses are processed ipsilaterally?

A

Smell (olfaction)

Taste (Gustation)

102
Q

What is contralateral processing?

A

Opposite side of brain and body communicate

103
Q

What is ipsilateral processing?

A

Same side of brain and body communicate

104
Q

What is the dominant hemisphere responsible for?

A

Analytical functioning

  • Math
  • Language comprehension
  • Language production
  • Logic
105
Q

What is the nondominant hemisphere responsible for?

A

Intuition
Creativity
Music Cognition
Spatial Processing

106
Q

Which side of the brain is usually the dominant hemisphere?

A

Usually the left side

107
Q

Which side of the brain is usually the nondominant hemisphere?

A

Usually the right side

MCAT Psychology and Sociology (1 decks)

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