Structures of the Brain and their Functions Flashcards
what happens when RAS is stimulated?
may be immediately awaken
what happens when RAS is destroyed?
may be left in permanent coma
the cortex
the outer wrinkling of the brain.
The limbic system
a group of several brain structures under the cortex
involved in learning, emotion, memory, and motivation.
Why is the cortex so wrinkled?
Allows large surface area of cortical cells to exist inside the skull
When removed, the cortex actually measures 2-3 square feet
corticalization
the process of how the brain becomes more wrinkled as it increases in size and complexity
mirror neurons
neurons that fire when an animal/person performs an action, and observes that same action being performed by another
Responsibilities of the Association Areas of the Cortex
each lobe of the cortex are responsible for coordinating and interpreting information, and higher mental processing.
Functions of the Association Areas
Connect incoming sensory information and stored memories, images, and knowledge
Help people make sense of sensory input
Contained mostly in frontal lobes (aside from occipital and temporal lobes)
who is Broca’s area named after?
Named after Paul Broca, who first studied damage to this area
who is Wernicke’s area namd after
Named after Carl Wernicke, who first studied damage to this area
The cerebrum
is the upper part of brain consisting of the two hemispheres and structures connecting them. normally work together as a whole
left hemisphere of the brain
Language Speech Handwriting Calculation (math) Sense of time and rhythm (mathematical in nature) Analytical thought
right hemisphere of the brain
Perception
Visualization
Spatial perception
Recognition of patterns, faces, emotions, melodies Expression of emotions
Comprehends simple language, but not produce
speech
Global (widespread) processing
Processes information all at once (“gestalt psychologist”)
