Cognition (8.6) Flashcards
Describe the major areas of cognition
a.k.a. functions to perform
Cognition: The act or process of knowing, including awareness and judgement
NOTE: Cognition may be conscious or unconscious. Also, allows us to direct our attention towards sensory inputs
Major areas:
- Executive processing
- Attention and concentration
- Perception
- Emotion
- Language
- Memory
- Control of motor behaviour
Recognise the CNS structures that underlie cognition
The cerebral cortex: Not fully understood
Evidence:
> complexity allows for > cognitive abilty
Damage to cerebrum → deficits
Understand the role of the association areas in cognition
(+ primary sensory area)
Primary sensory area: Receives sensory information
Association area: Processes the sensory information received before the generated/response behaviour. Possess complex connections with the cerebral cortex.
Inputs: Thalamus, brainstem, primary sensory and motor cortices
Outputs: Hippocampus, basal ganglia, cerebrum, cerebellum, other association cortices
Understand different techniques to study anatomy and function of the brain
- Primary observations of patients with damage to structures
- Brain imaging - e.g. during a cognitive task
- Electrophysiological mapping (comparable animal brains)
Techniques: Single unit recordings; multi-unit recordings; CAT; MRI; PET; ECG, Transcranial magnetic stimulation
In vitro recordings:
Cons: No longer part of a ‘whole system’
In vivo recordings:
Pros: Lots of data, can identify individual neurones
Cons: Invasive; restricted to a small number of neurones
Describe localisation of function within the association areas of the cerebral cortex
Describe hemispheral specialisations
Describe the potential consequences of damage to each lobe
Outline the location and function of the insular cortex
Location: Within the lateral fissure, which lies between the temporal and parietal lobes
Function: Awareness of viscero-sensory feelings e.g. HR and BP perception, evaluation of temperature, self awareness
