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Daphne VCE Psychology 2015 > Chapter 4 : The central nervous system > Flashcards

Chapter 4 : The central nervous system Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the human nervous system?

A

The human nervous system is a complex combination of neurons that enable the brain to obtain information about what is going on inside and outside the body and to respond appropriately.

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2
Q

Name the two major divisions of the human nervous system.

A

The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

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3
Q

Name the two components of the

CNS.

A

The brain and the spinal cord.

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4
Q

What is the purpose of the spinal cord?

A

The spinal cord connects the brain and the PNS.

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5
Q

What is the PNS? State its purpose.

A

The PNS includes all parts of the nervous system that lie outside the brain and the spinal cord.
It links the CNS to all other parts of the body and carries messages to and from the CNS.

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6
Q

Name some of the major functions of the brain.

A

Regulates our breathing, heart beat, digestive system, body temperature, maintains our blood pressure, and other internal conditions in the body. It is also responsible for the normal functioning of our bodily processes and influences our growth, moods, and response to stress.

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7
Q

Why is the brain often referred to as the “master” organ?

A

Because it is responsible for virtually everything we think, feel and do.

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8
Q

Describe the human brain in as much detail as you can.

A

The human brain is encased in a hard protective skull, and has the consistency of firm jelly. It is covered by a strong plastic-like membrane. Between the brain and the skull, there is a gap filled with fluid which protects the brain from any damage/knocks, unless it is quite severe.

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9
Q

On average, how heavy is an adult human brain?

A

Around 1.5 kg.

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10
Q

True of False.

The brain has a complex structure of billion of neurons and trillions of connections between these neurons.

A

True.

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11
Q

What is the CNS? State its purpose.

A

The CNS comprises of the brain and the spinal cord. It transmits and receives messages to and from the PNS.

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12
Q

Provide an example of how the different areas/structures of the brain interact.

A

The simple task of naming an object, such as a pen, would require vision (the primary visual cortex), memory (frontal lobe) to recall and language (Broca’s area) to name the object.

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13
Q

What is the cerebral cortex?

A

The cerebral cortex is the folded outer layer or covering of the two cerebral hemispheres. It is involved with information processing activities such as perception, language, memory, thinking and problem-solving. It is also involved with the planning and control of voluntarily bodily movements.

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14
Q

True or False

The cerebral cortex contains about one quarter of the entire brain’s neurons.

A

False.

The cerebral cortex contains around three quarters of the entire brain’s neurons.

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15
Q

Name the three different categories of cortical areas and briefly describe the function of each.

A
  • Sensory cortex areas
    Receive and process information from our different senses.
  • Motor cortex area
    Receives, processes, and sends information about voluntary bodily movements.
  • Association areas
    Receive and integrate sensory and motor information and is responsible for more complex mental abilities.
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16
Q

Describe the relationship between the size of the cerebral cortex and the mental capabilities of an organism.

A

The bigger the size of the cerebral cortex, particularly association cortex areas, the more capable the organism is of performing complex mental abilities.

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17
Q

What are the cerebral hemispheres?

A

The cerebral hemispheres are two almost symmetrical structures that appear to be separated by a deep long groove, but are connected at several points by strands of nerve tissue and are respectively referred to as the left and right hemisphere.

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18
Q

Name the deep groove that appears to separate the two cerebral hemispheres.

A

The longitudinal fissure.

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19
Q

Briefly describe the interaction between the two hemispheres.

A

The left hemisphere receives and process information from the right side of the body and also control bodily movements on the right side, and vice versa.

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20
Q

Name the structure that connects the two cerebral hemispheres.

A

The corpus callosum.

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21
Q

True of False.

The two hemispheres function independently.

A

False.

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22
Q

What is the corpus callosum?

A

The corpus callosum is a band of nerve tissue that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres and serves as the main communication pathway between the.

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23
Q

What is the corpus callosum?

A

The corpus callosum is a band of nerve tissue that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres and serves as the main communication pathway between them.

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24
Q

State the function of the corpus callosum.

A

The function of the corpus callosum is to act as a “bridge: for neural messages between the two cerebral hemispheres.

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25
Q

True or False.

The corpus callosum is the only nerve connection between the hemispheres.

A

False.

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26
Q

Define cortical lobes.

A

Cortical lobes are areas of the brain with different structures and functions.

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27
Q

Name the four lobes of the cerebral cortex.

A

Frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital lobe.

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28
Q

Describe the sensory areas of the brain and name the main sensory areas.

A

The sensory areas of the brain receive and process information from sensory receptors in the body. The primary visual, auditory and somatosensory cortex.

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29
Q

What are sensory receptors?

A

Sensory receptors are specialized neurons that detect and respond to specific types of sensory information. They also convert “raw” sensory information into neural impulses and transmit i to sensory areas of the brain via neural pathways where it is processed.

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30
Q

Describe the motor areas of the brain and name the main motor area.

A

The motor areas of the brain receive and process information about voluntary bodily movements.
The primary motor cortex.

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31
Q

Describe the association areas of the brain.

A

The association areas receive and integrate information from sensory, motor and other brain areas, allowing us to undertake more complex cognitive processes, such as learning, remembering, perceiving, thinking, etc.

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32
Q

Where are association areas located in the brain?

A

Association areas are located in all four lobes f each cerebral hemisphere.

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33
Q

Name the largest lobe of the cerebral hemispheres.

A

The frontal lobe.

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34
Q

What is the primary motor cortex?

A

The primary motor cortex is specifically involved in controlling voluntary bodily movements through its control of skeletal muscles.

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35
Q

Where is the primary motor cortex located?

A

The primary motor cortex is located at the rear end of the frontal lobe in each cerebral hemisphere.

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36
Q

Fill in the blanks.
The primary motor cortex in the left frontal lobe is responsible for voluntary movements on the ___ side of the body, and the primary motor cortex in the right frontal lobe is responsible for voluntary movements on the ___ side of the body.

A

Right, left.

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37
Q

Describe the relationship between the amount of cortical space and the complexity of the movement of the body part.

A

The more complex or “fine” that the movement of a body part, the larger the amount of cortex is devoted to that specific body part.

38
Q

Name a specific body part that takes up very much cortical space in the primary motor cortex.

A

The tongue.

39
Q

Name a specific body part that takes up very little cortical space in the primary motor cortex.

A

The toes.

40
Q

Name the main functions of the frontal lobe.

A

Attention, personality, control of emotions, expression of emotional behavior and language.

41
Q

Why is the frontal lobe often referred to as having an “executive” role in our behavior and mental processes?

A

Because it is the end point for the sensory information received and processed in the other lobes.

42
Q

Where is Broca’s area located?

A

Broca’s area is located in the left frontal lobe.

43
Q

What is Broca’s area?

A

Broca’s area plays a crucial role in the production of articulated speech, that is speech that is clear and fluent.

44
Q

What is the parietal lobe?

A

The parietal lobe of each hemisphere receives and processes sensory information from the body and skin sense and other sensory areas of the brain.

45
Q

Where is the primary somatosensory cortex located?

A

The primary somatosensory cortex is located at the front of the parietal lobe in each hemisphere.

46
Q

What is the primary somatosensory cortex?

A

The primary somatosensory cortex receives and processes sensory information from the body and skin, enabling us to perceive bodily sensations.

47
Q

Fill in the blanks.
The primary somatosensory cortex in the ___ parietal lobe receives and processes sensory information from the right side of the body, while the primary somatosensory cortex in the ___ parietal lobe receives and processes sensory information from the left side of the body.

A

Left, right.

48
Q

True or False.
The greater the amount of cortex devoted to a specific body part, the greater the sensitivity and amount of use of that body part.

A

True.

49
Q

What are the main functions of the parietal lobe?

A

Sense, attention and spatial reasoning.

50
Q

What are the main functions of the temporal lobe?

A

Auditory perception, visual perception such as the ability to identify objects and recognize faces, memory, and our emotional responses to sensory information and memories.

51
Q

What is the primary auditory cortex?

A

The primary auditory cortex in each temporal lobe receives and processes auditory information from both ears.

52
Q

True or False.

Each primary auditory cortex has specialized areas that receive and process different features of sound.

A

True.

53
Q

Name the two main features of sound that is received and processed in each primary auditory cortex.

A

Frequency (pitch) and amplitude (loudness).

54
Q

True or False.

Each primary auditory cortex is also specialized to receive and process different types of sound.

A

True.

55
Q

What type of sound does the primary auditory cortex in the left temporal lobe specialize in receiving and processing?

A

Verbal sounds, such as words.

56
Q

What type of sound does the primary auditory cortex in the right temporal lobe specialize in receiving and processing?

A

Non-verbal sounds, such as music.

57
Q

Where are the hippocampus and amygdala located?

A

The hippocampus and amygdala are located in the middle of the temporal lobe in each hemisphere.

58
Q

Name the main function of the hippocampus.

A

The formation of long-term memories.

59
Q

Name the main function of the amygdala.

A

The linking of emotions to memories.

60
Q

Where is Wernicke’s area located?

A

Wernicke’s area is located in the left temporal lobe.

61
Q

What is Wernicke’s area?

A

Wernicke’s area plays a crucial role in the comprehension of speech.

62
Q

Describe the process of reading aloud.

A

When reading aloud, the words first register in our primary visual cortex in the occipital lobe. These are then relayed to the angular gyrus in the left parietal lobe, which then transforms the words into an auditory code. This code is received and understood in Wernicke’s area in the left temporal lobe and sent to Broca’s area in the left frontal lobe where it directs the primary motor cortex to pronounce the word.

63
Q

What is the main function of the occipital lobe?

A

Processing visual information.

64
Q

What is the primary visual cortex?

A

The primary visual cortex is the major destination of visual information from both eyes. The information comes to the primary visual cortex from photoreceptors located on the retina at the back of each eye.

65
Q

Where is the primary visual cortex located?

A

The primary visual cortex is located at the rear end of the occipital lobe in each hemisphere.

66
Q

Fill in the blanks.
The left half of each eye, which receives visual information from the ___ half of the visual field, sends information only to the visual cortex in the ___ occipital lobe. While, the right half of each eye, which receives visual information from the ___ half of the visual field, sends information only to the visual cortex in the ___ occipital lobe.

A

Right, left, left, right.

67
Q

True or False.

Neurons in the primary visual cortex respond to different features of visual information.

A

True.

68
Q

State the purpose of the association areas in the occipital lobe.

A

The association areas in the occipital lobe interact with the primary visual cortex to select, organize and integrate visual information. They also interact with other association areas in the frontal, parietal and temporal lobe to integrate visual information with memory, language and sounds, so that visual information can be organized and interpreted in a meaningful way.

69
Q

Define hemispheric specialization.

A

Hemispheric specialization is the idea that one hemisphere has specialized functions, or exerts greater control over a particular function.

70
Q

True or False.

One hemisphere does dominate over the other.

A

False.

Both hemispheres are involved in nearly all functions, often acting together in a coordinated and interactive way.

71
Q

Name some of the specializations of the left hemisphere.

A

Verbal functions such as speech production and comprehension, reading and writing.
Analytical functions such as maths, sequential tasks, and evaluations.
Logical reasoning.

72
Q

Name some of the specializations of the right hemisphere.

A 
Non-verbal functions...
Visual and spatial thinking, such as reading a map or completing a jigsaw puzzle. 
Daydreaming
Creative thinking
Appreciation of music and artwork
Recognizing faces, patterns and tunes
73
Q

What is the spinal cord?

A

The spinal cord is the cable-like column of nerve tissue that extends from the base of the brain to the lower back. It is encased in a series of bones, called vertebrae that extend further than the actual cord.

74
Q

State the two major functions of the spinal cord.

A
  • Receive sensory information from the body via the peripheral nervous system and sends it to the brain.
  • Receive information from the brain and sends it to relevant parts of the body via the peripheral nervous system to control muscles, glands and internal organs.
75
Q

Name the two major neural pathways in the spinal cord.

A

The ascending and descending neural pathway.

76
Q

What type of information travels up the ascending neural pathway?

A

Sensory information.

77
Q

What type of information travels down the descending neural pathway?

A

Motor information.

78
Q

Explain why damage to the spinal cord results in loss of brain-body control.

A

When the spinal cord is damaged, the brain loses both sensory input from and control over the body.

79
Q

Describe the role played by the spinal cord in initiating certain types of reflex responses.

A

The spinal cord is able to initiate certain types of simple responses, called reflex arc, independently of the brain, to certain stimuli.

80
Q

Why is the reflex arc produced by the spinal cord considered to be an adaptive or survival role?

A

Because it enables a faster reaction time to the stimulus.

81
Q

Define aphasia, and name the two main types of aphasia.

A

Aphasia refers to language disorders apparent in speech production or comprehension, reading or writing caused by injury to brain areas specialized for these functions.
Fluent and non-fluent aphasia.

82
Q

What is Broca’s aphasia?

A

Broca’s aphasia, also called non-fluent aphasia, is a type of aphasia where a person has difficulty speaking, yet they continue to understand speech.

83
Q

Describe the speech of a person with Broca’s aphasia.

A

Speech is non-fluent, deliberate, consisting of very few words with a very simple grammatical structure, usually only verbs and nouns.

84
Q

What is Wernicke’s aphasia?

A

Wernicke’s aphasia, also called fluent aphasia, is a type of aphasia where a person has difficulty comprehending speech and speaking in a meaningful way.

85
Q

Describe the speech of a person with Wernicke’s aphasia.

A

Speech is fluent and grammatically correct, but what is said is complete nonsense.

86
Q

Define spatial neglect.

A

Spatial neglect is an attentional disorder whereby individuals fail to notice anything either on their left or right side. They tend to behave as if that one side of their world does not exist.

87
Q

Which brain area is most commonly associated with spatial neglect?

A

The parietal lobe in the right hemisphere.

88
Q

True or False.

Spatial neglect is due to impairment in the visual system.

A

False.

Spatial neglect is an attentional disorder.

89
Q

Which side do patients with spatial neglect ignore more often?

A

The left side.

90
Q

What is split-brain surgery?

A

Split-brain surgery involves surgically cutting the corpus callosum, thereby disconnecting one hemisphere of the brain from the other. The effect is that the two hemispheres do not directly receive information from each other.

Daphne VCE Psychology 2015 (13 decks)

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