Unit 4: The Brain and Memory Flashcards
what is the CNS
the main center for the entire nervous system compromised of the brain and spinal cord and is the site of neural integration and processing
what do myelinated neurons do?
form white matter which forms the inner region of the brain and the outer area of the spinal cord
what do unmyelinated neurons do?
form grey matter found around the outside areas of the brain and forms the H-shaped core of the spinal cord
where are sensory and motor nerves found?
found within the spinal cord
what is the spinal cord?
the primary reflex centre that extends out of the skull from the brain and downward through a canal within the backbone
what is the function of sensory nerves?
send information to the brain
what is the function of motor nerves?
send information away from the brain
what is the spinal cord protected by?
cerebrospinal fluid, soft layer tissues, and the spinal column (vertebrae)
injury to the spinal cord can result in?
paralysis
what is the main function of the brain?
maintain homeostasis
what protects the brain?
the skull and the meninges (composed of 3 layers of tough elastic tissue)
what is the blood-brain barrier and what does it do?
it is the separation between the blood from the CNS thats made up of glial cells and blood vessels. it controls the entrance of substances into the brain from the blood
what is the cerebrospinal fluid?
a dense, clear liquid that transports hormones, white blood cells and nutrients across the blood-brain barrier to the cells of the brain. it also acts as a shock absorber by circulating between 2 layers of the meninges
what is the function of the hippocampus?
temporary storage of memory and emotions
what is the function of the cerebrum?
the largest part of the brain that contains the centers for intellect, learning and memory
what is the function of the cerebellum?
reflexes, unconscious coordination of posture, body movements and voluntary fine motor skills
what is the function of the hypothalamus?
regulates internal environment, plays a role in behavior/emotions and coordinates the actions of the pituitary gland
what is the function of the cerebral cortex?
outer covering of grey matter that is responsible for memory, language, personality, vision, conscious thought and emotion
what is the function of the corpus callosum?
link the right and left halves of the brain and send messages from one hemisphere to another
what is the right-brain associated with?
holistic and intuitive thinking, visual-spatial skills, and artistic abilities
what is the left-brain associated with?
sequential and logical ways of thinking, and linguistic/mathematical skills
how does a memory form?
it is formed by the consolidation of memory. the more information is repeated or used, the more likely we are to retain it
where are long term memories stored?
throughout the cortex of the brain because they involve most of he sense
what is the function of the medulla oblongata?
reflexes, autonomic functions that maintain homeostasis
