Lecture 1

Question 1

Why do we study brain and behaviour?

Answer 1

The brain is a major scientific question and the most complex organ on earth. It is found in many (not all) animals. Everything we do comes back to the brain.

Question 2

Why does the prof study brain and behaviour?

Answer 2

Because its “fucking cool.”

Question 3

What are the 3 historical approaches to brain and behaviour?

Answer 3

1. Mentalism. 2. Dualism 3. Materialism

Question 4

What is mentalism and who started the original theory?

Answer 4

Mentalism explains behaviour as a function of nonmaterial mind (ethereal beings). It was coined by Aristotle (384-322 BC), who believed the only function of the brain was to cool blood.

Question 5

What is dualism and who started the original theory?

Answer 5

Belief that there are two types of “stuff” in this world, physical and non-physical. Rene Descartes explained this theory (Cartesian method).

Question 6

What is the Cartesian method?

Answer 6

Both a nonmaterial mind and a material body contribute to behaviour. The mind is unique to humans.

Question 7

What is the brains function in dualism?

Answer 7

Info between mind and body pass through the brain via the pineal gland, which regulates flow of intercellular fluid to muscles.

Question 8

What are some issues with the dualism theory?

Answer 8

The pineal gland causes biological rhythms, and NOT intellience/behavioural control. Movement is not elicited via flow of fluid from ventricles.

Question 9

What is the problem with the mind-body theory?

Answer 9

Non material influences on body violate the law of conservation of energy, as new energy is created and that has been shown to be impossible.

Question 10

What is materialism?

Answer 10

Behaviours are fully explained through the workings of the nervous system-Alfred Wallace and Charles Darwin are associated with this theory.

Question 11

What are some implications that the theory of evolution has on brain and behaviour?

Answer 11

1) Because all animal species are related, their brains must be related. Structure determines function. We can use simpler animals to understand humans
2) Because all animal species are related, their behaviour must be related (emotional expressions in humans and other animals is similar)
3) Brain and behaviour in complex animals such as humans evolved from simpler animal brains behaviour.

Question 12

What are some shared structures in chordates?

Answer 12

All have a cerebrum and a cerebellum

Question 13

What happens as the brains functions get more complex?

Answer 13

It folds more

Question 14

What is a topographic map?

Answer 14

Represents different functional areas within the brain (vision, hearing, movements etc)

Question 15

What is a connectome map?

Answer 15

Represents the connections through which each region influences one another

Question 16

What are the 2 divisions of the human nervous system?

Answer 16

Central and peripheral

Question 17

What is the central nervous system?

Answer 17

Consists of brain and spinal cord (anything encased in bone)

Question 18

What is the peripheral nervous system?

Answer 18

All the nerve cells (neurons) in the body located outside the CNS.

Question 19

What are the 2 divisions of the peripheral nervous system?

Answer 19

1) Somatic (sensory info in, motor out). 2) Autonomic (heartbeat, respiration, internal organs).

Question 20

What are the 2 major sets and structures the brain is comprised of?

Answer 20

Forebrain-prominent in mammels and birds, dictates conscious behaviours
Brain stem-source of behaviour in simpler animals, responsible for most unconscious behaviours.

Question 21

What is the cerebral cortex?

Answer 21

Outer casing of the brain

Question 22

What are the gyri and sulci?

Answer 22

Gyri- Bumps on the surface of brain. Sulci-Grooves.

Question 23

What are the lobes of the brain and their functions?

Answer 23

Frontal (executive functions, decision making). Parietal (Goal directed movement, sensory info). Occipital (vision). Temporal (hearing, language, memory).