Lecture Block 1 Flashcards
How many neurons in the brain?
100 billion
Purpose of the neuron?
Information processor of the nervous system - they form intricate connections with one another
Neuropsychology
The study of how brain injury affects mental processes
Neuroimaging
Pictures of the brain’s anatomy or function, in relation to mental processes
Cognitive neuroscience
Modern term that covers both neuropsychology and neuroimaging
Was phrenology accurate?
No - but it is a first step in understanding functions of the brain
What were some invasive techniques used in 1850 before ethics were considered?
Opening skull while subject is still alive - activate/inactivate a region, stimulated with electricity, chemicals, heat or cold
In terms of the brain, what does ‘lesioned’ mean?
To purposefully damage/destroy an area of the brain
Is lesioning performed on humans?
No - only done on animals
What does a stereotaxic apparatus do?
Allows for a fine wire with an electrode on the end to be inserted into a particular location in the brain
Stereotaxic surgery can be used for what purpose?
To shut down an area of the brain if a patient has a disease that causes tremors - may temporarily stop the tremors
What can clinical observation do?
Can link physical brain abnormality with observable changes in behaviour
What happened to Phineas Gage?
When pushing explosives down a hole with an iron rod, the explosive went off and the rod went through his left cheek and through the top of his skull
What was the effect of Phineas Gage’s injury?
Gage’s personality changed; used to be a nice guy, gentle, honest. After the accident, he became unruly, unsociable, bad-mannered, aggressive. Gage was also unable to plan.
What area of the brain was damaged by Phineas Gage’s injury?
The frontal lobe
