introduction to the brain Flashcards
what is biological psychology?
the many ways in which the structures and actions of the brain produce mind and behaviour
what are the 2 main functions of the brain?
1) use sensory input to guide movement (receptors to effectors)
2) use sensory input to regulate internal organs
what is the function of the cortex and how much of the brain does it cover?
covers most of the surface of the brain
accounts for most information processing
what are bumps and ridges in the brain generally called?
gyrus
what are valleys and folds in the brain generally called?
sulcus
what are the 3 main parts of the brain called?
and what is this refered to as?
the forebrain (thalamus and hypothalamus)
midbrain
hindbrain (cerebellum, pons)
tripartite brain
what categorises the forebrain?
uses current sensory input and past experience to make and communicate decisions
conscious thinking
what categorises the midbrain?
uses current sensory input to direct movement
unconscious, behind the scenes processes
what categorises the hindbrain?
maintains the current state and controls the mouth
unconscious, behind the scenes processes
what are the 2 systems which the body sends messages through?
the central nervous system
the peripheral nervous system
what characterises the nervous system?
system entirely devoted to communication therefore costly
messages sent rapidly and using electrical signals
specific as structure determines which cells receive messages
what characterises the vascualr system?
system sends messages using chemical signals (hormones)
messages are sent more slowly but are cheaper as system has other functions and a small amount does a lot e.g carrying nutrients to tissues
not specific as hormones travel around the body and the membrane receptors of cells determine who receives the messages
what can input be?
can be both internal information or from external enviroment
e.g ambiant temperature (external in air) and core body temperature determine temperature homeostasis
why are both communication systems necessary?
vascular system isn’t rapid enough to deal with immediate responses
nervous system is more costly
what is the order of species in the history of life?
prokaryotic eukaryotic metazoa bilateria chordates vertebrates jawed fish mammals primates homo sapiens
