Lecture 1: Introduction to the brain Flashcards
What are the two main functions of the brain?
1) Use sensory input to guide movement. 2) Use sensory input to regulate internal organs.
What is the cortex?
The outer layer of the brain that covers most of its surface; involved in high-level processing.
What lies beneath the cortex?
Many brain regions with a variety of functions.
How many main parts is the brain divided into?
Three main parts (usually forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain).
How does the nervous system send messages?
Through electrical signals; it’s fast but energetically costly.
How does the vascular system send messages?
Through hormones (chemical signals); it’s slower but more energy-efficient.
What determines which cells receive messages in the nervous system?
The brain’s network structure.
What determines which cells receive messages in the vascular system?
Membrane receptors on target cells.
Why is the brain considered energy-expensive?
It is 2% of body weight but uses 20% of the body’s energy.
Why would natural selection favor a larger brain region?
If it enhances survival or reproductive success.
Why do brain sizes differ between species?
Differences reflect the animal’s anatomy and ecology.
What does the size of a brain region indicate?
The importance of the information it processes.
What kind of information does the cerebral cortex process?
Different types depending on the region (e.g., sensory, motor, cognitive).
Why is comparative neuroanatomy useful?
Studying other animals’ brains helps us understand human brain function.
What two systems does the brain use to send messages to the body?
The nervous system (electrical) and the vascular system (hormonal).
How are brain regions functionally organized?
They are loosely associated with particular functions.
What does shared brain structure across vertebrates suggest?
That we can learn about our own brain from other species.
Which evolutionary changes in the brain are linked to energy and survival needs?
Changes in motor control and digestive efficiency.
