structure and functions of the brain Flashcards
name the components of the CNS
brain and spinal cord
describe the function of the CNS
central processor of information and control centre for human behaviour for information we receive and responses that we make in our environment
name the four lobes in the brain
frontal, parietal,occipital,temporal
where is the PFC located
part of the frontal lobe and sits behind the forehead
describe the role of the PFC cortex in human behaviour
several executive functions such as inhibiting behaviour, decision making and motivation - linked to aggressive behaviour
what is meant by the term contra-lateral control
the right hemisphere is concerned with movement of LHS and left hemisphere is concerned with the RHS
describe the role of the amygala in human behaviour
emotions such as fear and anger are linked - if senses percieve a threat this region is stimulated- flight/fight response is linked
describe the role of the corpus callosum
ensure the two hemispheres are able to communicate with each other and how the hemispheres are joined together
describe two reasons why the bio psych appraoch may be seen as reductionist (2)
the idea that human behaviour can be broken down into its component parts to be better understood. in bio psych for example the studies might focus on one part of the brain to explain aggression- amygdala
the functioning of the brain involves complex interaction between different stuctures and NT so to study any element of bio processes of the CNS will require an oversimplification of the role of the brain in any particular behaviour
to study only brain function as a cause of human behaviour eg aggressio is reductionist as it overlooks social and environmental factors which can affect behaviour
what is the function of the frontal lobe?
decision making, problem solving, and planning
what is the function of the parietal lobe?
concerned with the reception and processing of sensory info from the body
what is the function of temporal lobe?
memory, emotion, hearing and language
what is the function of the occipital lobe?
sight and sense of movement
what is the role of the cerebellum?
balance, movement, co-ordination
describe the prefrontal cortex
part of the frontal lobe sits behind forehead, develops at age 20 and several executive functions inhibiting inappropriate responses, decision making, motivational behaviour`
briefly describe phineas gage’s case study?
railway worker who suffered accidental damage t his pre-frontal lobe when a bolt went through his cheeck and up through his eye into his brain. recovered physically not psychologically sober,quiet family man to angry irritableand showed poor social judgement
what is the right hemisphere associated with ?
creativity, intuition and movement of the left hand side of the body
what is the function of the left hemosphere
concerned with the right hand side of the body and important role to play in language functioning
what are the ventricles?
linked system of cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid. which is produced to ensure it circulates around the brain as it bathes and cushions the brain and ensures the chemical stability and the provision of nutrients
what is the limbic system?
it’s where feelings of pleasure, fear are situated - EDIT CARD
function of the thalamus? (limbic system)
relays info from 5 senses to relevant parts of the cortex which play an important role in emotions because we react to stimuli around us inc stimuli we perceive as threatening
function of amygdala? (limbic system)
emotions such as anger, fear are linked to this structure eg if our sense perceive a threat this region is stimulated the flight/fight response is linked to this area
what is the function of the hippocampus? (limbic system)
memory formation eg converting STM into LTM therefore this area could be linked to emotions in evolutionary terms it makes sense to remember things that frighten them so they can be avoided in the future
function of hypothalamus? (limbic system)
regulates bodily functions via stimulating hormones this structure linked to flight or fight response which req lots of energy so it involves the release of hormone called adrenaline it diverts oxygen to our muscles speeds uP our heart rate and lowers our pain threshold which enables us to act aggressively in order to defend ourselves
