Chapter 3: Role of the brain in mental processes Flashcards
What is a neuron and what is its purpose?
It is an individual nerve cell that is specialized to receive, process and/or transmit information.
What makes up a neuron?
- Soma (cell body)
- Axons
- Myelin sheath
- Axon terminals
- Synapses
- Dendrites
What are the 3 types of neurons?
- Sensory neurons
- Interneurons
- Motor neurons
What is the purpose of sensory neurons?
To send info from the sensory receptors TOWARDS the central nervous system.
What is the purpose of motor neurons?
To send info away from the central nervous system to muscles, organs and glands.
What is the purpose of interneurons?
To send information between sensory neurons and motor neurons.
Name the 2 branches of the nervous system:
- Central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)
- Peripheral nervous system (everything else)
What are the 2 branches of the autonomic nervous system?
- Sympathetic (arousing)
- Parasympathetic (calming)
What are the functions of the peripheral nervous system?
Transmits sensory info to the central nervous system and transmits motor messages from the spinal cord to appropriate body parts.
What is the purpose of the autonomic nervous system?
It coordinates internal bodily functions and controls involuntary activity of internal muscles, organs, and glands.
What is are the functions of the somatic nervous system?
- Transmits sensory info inwards towards the spinal cord
- Transmits motor messages outwards from the spinal cord to appropriate body parts
- Controls voluntary movement via its control of the skeletal muscles
What does the sympathetic nervous system activate?
The flight, fight or freeze response
Name the 3 areas of the cerebral cortex:
- Sensory areas
- Motor areas
- Association areas
What is the function of sensory areas in the cerebral cortex?
To receive and process info from the senses
What is the function of motor areas in the cerebral cortex?
To receive, process and send info about movement
What is the function of association areas in the cerebral cortex?
To integrate sensory, motor and other info and is involved in complex mental abilities.
What is the cerebral cortex?
The convoluted outer layer of the brain
What are the 4 lobes of the cerebral cortex?
-Frontal lobe
-Parietal lobe
-Occipital lobe
-Temporal lobe
(Flower POT)
What is the primary motor cortex (in frontal lobe) responsible for?
Responsible for the voluntary movement of skeletal muscles
What does the frontal lobe contain?
- Primary motor cortex
- Association areas: Broca’s area
What is the function of Broca’s area and where is it located?
- Responsible for speech production
- Left side of the frontal lobe
What does the parietal lobe contain?
- Somatosensory cortex
- Association areas: Spatial awareness/spatial skills
What is the function of the somatosensory cortex (parietal lobe)?
Responsible for receiving and processing sensations
What does the occipital lobe contain?
Primary visual cortex
What is the function of the primary visual cortex (occipital lobe)?
Responsible for receiving and processing visual info.
What does the temporal lobe contain?
- Primary auditory cortex
- Association area: Wernicke’s area
What is the function of the primary auditory cortex (temporal lobe)?
Responsible for receiving and processing auditory info
What is the function of Wernicke’s area (temporal lobe) and where is it located?
- Responsible for language
- Left side of the temporal lobe
