Lecture 11- Intro to brain and language Flashcards
Describe the parts of a neuron…
- Dendrites= input collects incoming signals from other neurons
- Cell body= Integrates signals from dendrites and generates outgoing signals in the form of action potentials
- Axon= action potential from cell body travels the length of the axon to its terminal
- Synapse= stimulates neurotransmitter release which binds to receptors on neighbouring neuron/ effector cell generating an action potential there
What is the resting potential for a neuron?
70, more negative inside then out. When not firing
What happens when the threshold for action potential generation occurs?
Cell body changes, ion channel opens and sodium comes in to further depolarise the cell (make more positive) leading to action potential generation.
What happens in the refractory period?
Positive ions pumped back out to get the cell back to rest.
How much information is transfer in a neuron spike?
One piece of information. It either fires or doesn’t (only 1 choice)
Can a neuron fire more?
- No in that it either fires or doesn’t (all or none)
- Yes in that over time the firing rate can increase
What are the two different types of neural imaging and when is each used?
- fMRI= functional magnetic resonance imaging. Looks at blood flow and oxygen to different parts of the brain. Tells us where in the brain something is happening.
- EEG/MEG= electric brain graph or magnetic brain graph. Measures electrical and magnetic impulses. Tells us when something in the brain is happening.
What are hierarchy studies?
If trying to figure out where in the brain syntax is (what part of the brain is in charge get individuals to a hierarchy (phrase) and then just a bunch of words (no hierarchy). While doing this see what is happening on the fMRI
When you do hierarchy studies what is identified as the part of the brain invovled in syntax?
Left inferior frontal gyrus (also called Broca’s area in psych)
