Neuropsychology and emotions

Question 1

describe how neurons communicate with each other?

Answer 1

the dendrites pick up the information and send an action potential electrical impulse that travels through the axon of a neuron. Once the action potential has reached the axon terminal a chemical neurotransmitter is released into the synapse and towards another neuron.

Question 2

what is the function of the corpus callosum

Answer 2

The corpus callosum is the communication between the two hemispheres of the brain.

Question 3

what happens when the corpus callosum is severed?

Answer 3

if the corpus callosum is severed the two sides of the brain perform independently as there is no communication between the two hemispheres. these independent functions are performed as the right side of the body can only do the left hemisphere functions and he left side of the body can only do the right hemisphere functions.

Question 4

Describe how the polygraph is used to measure emotion

Answer 4

A polygraph is hooked up to a person. This device measures many psychological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure and skin conductivity. the emotion is then determine by the psychological responses recorded.

Question 5

what is the function of the cerebral cortex

Answer 5

the cerebral cortex is the most outer surface of the brain. it has the role of processing information. This can involve speech, memory and learning.

Question 6

Define the term ‘emotion’

Answer 6

emotions is an personal experience that involves subjective feelings, psychological responses and expressive behaviour.

Question 7

Describe when culture has an influence on the display of emotions.

Answer 7

different cultures have different display rules of emotions. For example, more European countries express their emotions more.

Question 8

Describe and evaluate Schachter-Singer’s theory of emotion.

Answer 8

the Schachter-Singer’s theory of emotions is a process that involves an environmental stimulus that is followed by a psychological response immediately. there is then a cognitive apparel based on the situation which then influences the emotion. this theory follows a rule that the emotion is experienced based on the cognitive apparel. This is a good theory of emotion as it gives reasons as to why the emotion is experienced.

Question 9

What are the common neurotransmitters?

Answer 9

Acetylcholine, Norepinephrine, Dopamine, Serotonin and Endorphin.

Question 10

What is the function of Acetylcholine

Answer 10

it stimulates muscles to contract. In the somatic nervous system, it excites voluntary muscles.

Question 11

What is the function of Norepinephrine

Answer 11

Involved in physiological arousal, wakefulness, attention and memory.

Question 12

What is the function of Dopamine

Answer 12

regulates our emotional responses. Involved in the experience of pleasure or rewarding sensations.

Question 13

What is the function of Serotonin

Answer 13

Found only in the brain, involved in mood, feelings of wellbeing, happiness and the onset of sleep.

Question 14

What is the function of Endorphin

Answer 14

Produced when the body needs pain relief. Also produces a ‘euphoria’ effect directly after exercise and can bring on sleep.

Question 15

the limbic system brain structures

Answer 15

Hippocampus
Thalamus
Amygdala
Hypothalamus

Question 16

what is the function of the Hippocampus

Answer 16

has a role for memory and learning. the experience from short term memory into long term memory.

Question 17

what is the function of the Thalamus

Answer 17

relay station; process sensory information

Question 18

What is the function of the Amygdala

Answer 18

responsible for emotion especially fear.

Question 19

What is the function of the Hypothalamus

Answer 19

engaged the sympathetic nervous system and fight or flight response

Question 20

How the limbic system creates emotions

Answer 20

The limbic system is a group of structures which play an important role in regulating and expressing emotion. The structures included in the system consist of the hypothalamus, amygdala, thalamus and the hippocampus. In this situation Sarah’s thalamus, which acts as a relay station, interpreted the sensory information of the text message. This information was then relayed to the amygdala, which caused her to feel very upset, stressed and overwhelmed. Due to these feelings, the hypothalamus briefly engaged the sympathetic nervous system, which released adrenaline and cortisol, due to a threat being perceived via the text message. The hippocampus then converted this experience from short term memory into long term memory, causing Sarah to remember this experience for most of her day, causing her to remain upset.