Lecture 17: Higher functions of the CNS (1)

Question 1

What does an EEG record?

Answer 1

Electrical currents that are generated within the body by excitable cells as a result of synaptic currents flowing through the dendrites of axons in the cortex

Question 2

Where does the EEG record from?

Answer 2

from the outside of the body

Question 3

What three things can an EEG be used to do?

Answer 3

• monitor behavioural state (coma, vegetative state, sleep stages) (local changes may indicate abnormality)
• diagnose epilepsy (abnormal synchronous brain activity)
• localise brain areas active in different tasks

Question 4

Describe magneto reception in humans

Answer 4

There are multiple electrodes on the outside of the scalp and you can use a computer to locate at a depth what is going on in the brain.

Question 5

The cingulate cortex in the cerebral cortex is responsible for regulating what?

Answer 5

the emotional internal experience

Question 6

What are α waves and when do they occur?

Answer 6

they are the oscillation at a particular frequency when the subject is relaxed with the eyes closed

Question 7

What are β waves and when do they occur?

Answer 7

they are a non-synchronised recordings on the EEG when a person is awake with the eyes open

Question 8

Why does the α wave stop when you open your eyes are you are paying attention to a task?

Answer 8

because the brain is now no longer spontaneously coordinating activity - instead it is using neural circuits to tend to something in the environment so it is used to focus on something instead