THE BRAIN AND NEURONS

Question 1

Functions of the left hemisphere

Answer 1

• Receives and processes sensations from the right
• Controls voluntary movements from the right
• Verbal tasks (speech productions + comprehension)
• Analysis (maths)
• Logical reasoning

Question 2

Functions of the right hemisphere

Answer 2

• Receives and processes sensations from the left
• Controls voluntary movements on the left
• Non verbal tasks and processing of the “whole”
• Spatial and visual thinking
  Creativity
• Fantasy
• Appreciation of art + music
• Recognising emotions

Question 3

Name of the structure that connects the two hemispheres

Answer 3

The corpus callosum

Question 4

Describe what is meant by the hemispheres operating contralaterally

Answer 4

Each hemisphere receives and processes information from the opposite side of the body

Question 5

describe how neurotransmission occurs between two neurons

Answer 5

The dendrites receive neurotransmitters from other neurons, then the axon transmits signals away from the soma and towards the axon terminal while the myelin (a fatty substance that wraps around the axon) insulates the axon, ensuring the information is sent quickly and efficiently. Once the information reaches the axon terminal, it will then be stored and released.

Question 6

What is synaptic pruning?

Answer 6

The brain eliminates extra or weak synaptic connections between neurons. This helps improve the efficiency of neural networks and is important for brain development

Question 7

What is synaptogenisis?

Answer 7

The process of forming new synapses, which are connections between neurons in the brain. This process is crucial for brain development, learning and memory

Question 8

What is sprouting?

Answer 8

Where new branches grow from neurons to form additional connections with other neurons. This helps the brain adapt to new experiences, learn new information and recover from injuries.