Localisation + Neurotransmission + Neuroplasticity Flashcards
Define localisation
specific areas of the cerebral cortex have specialised physical + psychological functions
Function of frontal lobe (3)
facilitates problem solving, memory
major role in decision making
involved in how we think about our future selves
Function of parietal lobe (3)
facilitates spatial processing, sensory processing, speech
spatial processing - perception of our 3D world + memories of space + distance
allows us to understand spoken language
Function of occipital lobe (2)
facilitates vision
optic nerve connected to occipital lobe
Function of temporal lobe (2)
located at side of brain (near temple)
processes sensory information, memories, speech + language
Function of brain stem + cerebellum (3)
responsible for motor movements
communication with other brain regions
coordination of organ function
Brain parts within limbic system (3)
amygdala
hippocampus
hypothalamus
Functions of limbic system (3)
memory
emotion
motivation
Function of amygdala
associated with fear + memory
Function of hippocampus
associated with formation of memory
Function of hypothalamus (2)
regulates autonomic nervous system
communicates with endocrine system
Define the equipotential theory (2)
believes all areas of the brain are equally active in overall mental functioning
effects of damage to brain are determined by extent than location
Function of broca zone
responsible for converting thought into speech
Define lateralisation
dominance of the one hemisphere of the brain for specific physical + physchological properties
Functions of the central core/brain stem (2)
regulates involuntary behaviours
e.g homeostasis, breathing, sleeping
Brain imaging methods (5)
EEG
computer topography (CT)
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
positron emission topography (PET)
Which brain imaging methods show brain structure (2)
CT
MRI
Which brain imaging methods show brain function (2)
EEG
PET
How PET scans work (4)
radioactive dye with glucose injected into participant
brain metabolises glucose
brain areas with more glucose metabolisation = more brain activity in that region
PET detects gamma rays
How MRI works (3)
produces static image of brain
uses magnetic fields + pulses of radiowave energy
have high degree of detail
How fMRI works (2)
large magnet creates images
changes in blood flow to different brain areas shows activity
Advantages of fMRI (3)
does not use radiation
has better spatial definition
easy technology to use
Advantages of brain imaging technology (3)
not invasive to participant
can expand psychological knowledge
can identify brain region involved in specific activity
Disadvantages of brain imaging technology (4)
rely on precision of software
can be stressful for participant
measurment takes place in artifical scenario
expensive
Define retrograde amnesia
inability to recall memories prior trauma
Define anterograde amnesia
inability to recall memories post trauma
Define neuroplasticity (2)
the ability of the brain to change/reorganise itself environment
by forming new connections between brain cells (neurons)
Define structural plasticity
experiences or memories which change brain structure
Define functional plasticity
brain functions move from damaged areas to undamaged areas
Define synaptic plasticicty
connections between neurons become stronger or weaker depending on how often they are used
What happens when we learn something new
dendritic branching - dendrites of neurons grow in number to connect with other neurons
Define cortical remapping (2)
one part of the brain takes over functions of a damaged area
e.g phantom limb syndrome
Define neuronal activity
connections between neurons strengthen when neurons are frequently activated together
Define synaptic pruning (2)
process of eliminating unused synapses
connections between neurons strengthen when neurons are frequently activated together
Aim of Maguire et al study
investigate whether environmental traits would cause physical change in the brain
Participants of Maguire et al study
16 male London taxi drivers
Procedure of Maguire et al study (2)
MRI used to scan their brains
compared scans to a public MRI database
Results of Maguire et al study
increased size of hippocampus compared with control (improved spatial memory)
Implications of Maguire et al study
provided evidence for neuroplasticity + localisation
Aim of Draganski et al. study
investigate impact of learning a new skill (juggling) on potential structural changes of brain
Participants of Draganski et al study (2)
24 participants - 21 female, 4 male
participants were all non-jugglers
Procedure of Draganski et al study (5)
participants separated into 2 conditions: jugglers + non-jugglers
all participants had initial MRI scan
juggling groups would alert researchers once they had learned how to juggler
2nd MRI scan would then take place
juggles told not to juggle anymore + 3rd MRI scan taken after 3 months
Results of MRI scan for Draganski et al (4)
VBM used to analyse grey matter in MRI scans
1st MRI scan - no significant differences between 2 groups
2nd MRI scan - jugglers had larger grey matter in mid-temporal region (visual memory)
3rd MRI scan - most jugglers unable to juggle + grey matter decreased
Features of neurons (3)
has 2 settings : either fires or doesnt
carry signals to and from brain
information carried by electrical impulses
Define neurotransmission (2)
neurons send chemicals (neurotransmitters) across the synapse (gap between neurons)
chemical picked up by another neuron
Define neurotransmitters (3)
body’s natural chemical reactions
transmit information from one neuron to another
examples of neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine
Describe process of neurotransmission (4)
electrical impulse travels down axon of neuron
neurotransmitter released when impulse reaches axonal terminator
neurotransmitter crosses synaptic gap to other neuron
neurotransmitter fits into receptor sites of other neuron
Function of a neuron’s terminal buttons
stores neurotransmitters
Function of reuptake in neurotransmission
neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the neuron that releases them
Define excitatory neurotransmitters (2)
compel a neuron to activate
stimulate post-synaptic neuron to fire
Define inhibitory neurotransmitters
inhibit post-synaptic neuron from firing
Define agonists in neurotransmission (2)
molecule which increases effect of a neurotransmitter
mimicks neurotransmitter and binds to receptor of post-synaptic neuron
Define antagonist in neurotransmission (2)
reduces effect of neurotransmitters
blocks receptor sites on post-synaptic neurons
Purpose of ketamine
anesthetic
How Ketamine works as an anesthetic (3)
antagonist for glutamate in high doses
glutamate - excitatory neurotransmitter which facilitates neural network communication
agonist for glutamate in low doses, enhances glutamate production (increases stimulation of receptors)
Function of serotonin (2)
associated with key cognitive functions
emotion, perception, appetite, sleep, memory
Aim of Crockett et al study
understand role of serotonin in moral judgement and behaviour
Participants of Crockett et al study (2)
24 participants
repeated measures, double blind experiment
Procedure of Crockett et al study (4)
participants given citalopram (serotonin reuptake inhibitor), increase serotonin levels
participants given atomoxetine (noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor) or placebo
participants engaged in 29 moral judgement hypothetical questions
participants also engaged in ultimatum game
Results of Crockett et al study (2)
participants with more serotonin based morality on actions which would not directly harm another person
participants with more serotonin were less likely to reject unfair offers
Conclusion of Crockett et al study (2)
serotonin promotes social behaviour
enhances harm aversion (feeling bad about harming others) which affects moral judgement + behaviour
Strengths of Crockett et al. study (2)
Lab experiment - can clearly establish cause + effect
responses on moral judgement allowed results to be more specific
Weaknesses of Crockett et al. study (2)
moral scenarios + ultimatum game lack ecological validity
sample selection was limited
