Lesson 1

Question 1

What is the aim of the PSYC112/132 module?

Answer 1

To provide an introduction to key neuroscience concepts and develop a basic understanding of the complex links between the brain and behaviour.

Question 2

Why is foundational knowledge of neuroscience important for psychology?

Answer 2

It helps understand the biological underpinnings of key psychological processes.

Question 3

What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

Answer 3

• Central Nervous System (CNS)
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Question 4

What does the Central Nervous System (CNS) consist of?

Answer 4

• Brain
• Spinal Cord

Question 5

What is the function of the Somatic Nervous System (SNS)?

Answer 5

Interacts with the external environment.

Question 6

What do afferent nerves do?

Answer 6

Carry sensory information towards the CNS.

Question 7

What do efferent nerves do?

Answer 7

Carry motor signals from the CNS to the skeletal muscles.

Question 8

What is the role of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)?

Answer 8

Regulates the internal environment.

Question 9

What are the two branches of the Autonomic Nervous System?

Answer 9

• Sympathetic Nervous System
• Parasympathetic Nervous System

Question 10

What is the function of the Sympathetic Nervous System?

Answer 10

Stimulates, organizes, and mobilizes energy resources in threatening situations.

Question 11

What is the function of the Parasympathetic Nervous System?

Answer 11

Conserves energy.

Question 12

What are the three protective membranes of the CNS called?

Answer 12

• Dura mater
• Arachnoid membrane
• Pia mater

Question 13

What is the function of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Answer 13

Provides support and cushions the brain and spinal cord.

Question 14

What does the blood-brain barrier do?

Answer 14

Prevents the passage of toxic substances from the blood to the brain.

Question 15

What is gray matter composed of?

Answer 15

Largely of cell bodies and unmyelinated neurons.

Question 16

What is white matter composed of?

Answer 16

Largely of myelinated axons.

Question 17

What are the five major divisions of the brain?

Answer 17

• Telencephalon
• Diencephalon
• Mesencephalon
• Metencephalon
• Myelencephalon

Question 18

What is the role of the thalamus?

Answer 18

Information relay station for all senses except smell.

Question 19

What is the largest division of the human brain?

Answer 19

Telencephalon (cerebral hemispheres).

Question 20

What are the four main lobes of the cerebral hemispheres?

Answer 20

• Frontal Lobe
• Parietal Lobe
• Occipital Lobe
• Temporal Lobe

Question 21

What does the limbic system regulate?

Answer 21

Motivated behaviours (the 4 F’s: fleeing, feeding, fighting, and…).

Question 22

Fill in the blank: The __________ is involved in processing emotions like fear.

Answer 22

Amygdala

Question 23

True or False: The cerebral lobes are functional units.

Answer 23

False

Question 24

What is the role of the hippocampus?

Answer 24

Memory, learning, emotions.

Question 25

What is the function of the cingulate cortex?

Answer 25

Processing emotions, behavioral regulation, voluntary motor function.

Question 26

What is the name of the groove that separates the left and right hemispheres?

Answer 26

Longitudinal fissure.

Question 27

What should students do before each lecture?

Answer 27

Engage with prep work designed to provide a good starting point.

Question 28

What is the significance of the corpus callosum?

Answer 28

Connects the two cerebral hemispheres.

Question 29

What is the anatomical term for the outer layer of the brain?

Answer 29

Cerebral cortex.