Chapter 2 Flashcards
cerebral cortex is
a.
divided into two hemispheres.
b.
a thin layer of nerve cells.
c.
where most of our higher-level cognitive activities occur, and divided into four lobes.
ur cerebral cortex is divided into four lobes that have different functions. What are the names of these lobes
frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal
What are a group of neurotransmitters that influence our perception of pain and pleasure.
endorphins
Medications and other drugs can affect the brain by changing neurotransmitter actions. Substances called ___ decrease a neurotransmitter’s action; those called ___ increase a neurotransmitter’s action
antagonists; agonists
What do glial cells do in the nervous system?
CThey provide nutrients to neurons
They guide neural connections.
What type of neuron is only found within the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)?
Cinterneurons
Just above the spinal cord in the skull is a slight swelling of tissue that marks the first part of the brain. What is its name, and what does it do?
Cmedulla—it controls heartbeat and breathing
Our body’s most influential gland has the nickname “the master gland”. Which gland is it?
pituitary
The ___ system is comprised of several brain structures that are important in our emotional states.
limbic system
Because their genes are identical, studying ___ allows researchers to more clearly identify how environmental influences affect human functioning
monozygotic twins
A random error in gene replication that leads to a change in DNA is known as
mutation
What are the two components of our body’s central nervous system (CNS)?
brain and spinal cord
If a neurosurgeon stimulated the motor cortex in your left hemisphere, what would most likely happen?
movement of the right leg
Doctors have many ways of examining brain structure and function. These include:
electroencephalogram (EEG).
b.
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
c.
positron emission tomography (PET) scan
In our brains, what does the hypothalamus do?
It controls the pituitary gland’s functioning.
It’s linked to emotions and rewards.
It’s involved in hunger and thirst.
