Structure and Functioning of the Brain Flashcards
Define Bio-psychology
Study of thinking and behaving from a biological viewpoint
What is the function of the CNS?
Processes Information
What is the brain made up of?
Cerebellum, Cerebrum and brain stem
What is the function of the brain?
Controls memory, thoughts, speech, movement and organ function
What is the CNS made up of?
Brain and the spinal cord
What is the PNS made up of?
Spinal and cranial nerves
What is the cerebrum?
Largest part of the brain, divided into two parts (L&R Hemispheres) and does higher functions such as interpreting touch, vision, and hearing as well as speech, reasoning, emotions, learning and movement control.
How are the hemispheres connected?
Joined by fibres called the corpus collosum transmitting messages to either side - each side controls the opposite side of the body
What is the function of the left hemisphere?
Speech, comprehension, arithmetic and writing - known as “dominant” in hand use and languages in 92% of people
What is the function of the right hemisphere?
creativity, spacial ability, artistic and musical ability - in 1/3 of people, speech is controlled by the right hemisphere
What is the cerebellum?
Under the cerebrum
Coordinates muscle movement, maintains balance and posture
What is the function of the brain stem?
Relay centre connecting the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord
Performs automatic functions ie. breathing
What is Aphasia?
Disturbance of language, speech production, comprehension, reading and writing due to brain injury.
What is Broca’s Area?
Situated in the frontal lobe
Hard to move tongue and facial muscles to produce speech
Difficult to speak and write
Fine reading and understanding
What is Wernicke’s Area?
Situated in the left temporal lobe
Speak long sentences with no apparent meaning
Creates new words/ adds unnecessary words
Difficult to understand speech - unaware of any mistakes made.
