Chapters 1 and 2 Flashcards
how do neurons communicate through signals
electrical signals travel down a neuron as an action potential. At the synapse the message changes to a chemical signal and is carried by the neurotransmitters that were emitted when the axon opened. The adjacent neruons dendrite can choose to quiet or pass the singal on one which either
What happens when messages repeatedly go through neurons
The synapse gets stronger with repeated activity, higher percentage of important messages being passed through.
How does the brain process information?
Networks of neurons make up circuits they control information processes
Example of a simple circuit
relfex circuit
what are complex circuits
integrates information from many brain circuits to generate a response
How do we build circuits
Your genes, before birth, create simple circuits and new experiences build stronger circuits!
Action Potential
How our brain cells communicate
how many neurons are there
billions
What is the largest part of the brain and how is it divided
cerebrum, left and right hemisphere
how is the cerebrum connected?
by nerve fivers carrying information,
What is the bridge connecting the cerebrum called?
the largest of the nerves forms a bridge called the corpus callosum
What are the layers and folds on the surface of the brain called
cerebral cortex
where is the frontal lobe located and what does it control (7)
The front top of the brain. It controls movement, speech memory, emotions, planing, problem solving and personality.
Where is the parietal lobe located and what does it control
the top behind the frontal lobe. It controls senses, visuals, and taste
Where is the occipital lobe located and what does it control
the bottom back of the brain. visuals and recognizing colors and shapes.
Where is the temporal lobe located and what does it control. What are two important structures and what do they do
the bottom eye level of the brain. Auditory information. Hippocampus: encodes new memories and long term memories. The amygdala also controls memory and associating memory with emotions
What structures are apart of the limbic system and control (5) and what brain section?
Controls emotion and motivation. Thalamus(sensory) hippothalmus (hormonal signals to the body through pituitary gland) as well as the amygdala and hippocampus (forebrain)
What is the midbrain
eye movement + trigger reflexes to control motion of pen and musical instrument. (collection of neurons)
What is the basal ganglia
controls complex movements and smooth
what is the hind brain
glucose regulation and sleep (also includes the cerrebellum)
cerrebellum definition
half of the neurons are located here. also split into two sides. learn new mnotor skills.
what would happen if the cerrebellum was damaged
you wouldn’t put your finger to your nose
Pons
below the cerrabellum and focuses on breathing and posture
what structures are apart of the brain stem
pons, and medulla, midbrain
Olfactory bulbs
sense of smell in the forebrain
how did the brain evolve
new neurons and repeated behaviors strenthening the neurons
What are neural networks
regions spanning neurons form nerve tracts and multiple nerve tracks form a neural network
what are neural tracts and an example
many neurons compiled together like the corpus callosum between the two hemispheres
How does seeing a shape on a tv influence brain actibity of signals
the signal travels to the optic tract then to the thalamuys where it is processed and then to the cortex and back. That creates a feedback loop. Then the signal is transfered to the temporal lobe to identity the shape and parietal lobe to locate where the shape is.
What are brain waves
electrical patterns from feedback loops
what are the 4 types of waves
Alpha, Beta, Theta, Delta
Concious waves and when+where they are produced
Alpha: Parietal and Occipital when brain is relaxed
Beta: Frontal and Parietal when sensory and tasks appear
Unconcious waves and when they are produced
Theta: sleep
Delta: deep sleep very slow signals