Unit 4: The Brain and Memory

Question 1

what is the CNS

Answer 1

the main center for the entire nervous system compromised of the brain and spinal cord and is the site of neural integration and processing

Question 2

what do myelinated neurons do?

Answer 2

form white matter which forms the inner region of the brain and the outer area of the spinal cord

Question 3

what do unmyelinated neurons do?

Answer 3

form grey matter found around the outside areas of the brain and forms the H-shaped core of the spinal cord

Question 4

where are sensory and motor nerves found?

Answer 4

found within the spinal cord

Question 5

what is the spinal cord?

Answer 5

the primary reflex centre that extends out of the skull from the brain and downward through a canal within the backbone

Question 6

what is the function of sensory nerves?

Answer 6

send information to the brain

Question 7

what is the function of motor nerves?

Answer 7

send information away from the brain

Question 8

what is the spinal cord protected by?

Answer 8

cerebrospinal fluid, soft layer tissues, and the spinal column (vertebrae)

Question 9

injury to the spinal cord can result in?

Answer 9

paralysis

Question 10

what is the main function of the brain?

Answer 10

maintain homeostasis

Question 11

what protects the brain?

Answer 11

the skull and the meninges (composed of 3 layers of tough elastic tissue)

Question 12

what is the blood-brain barrier and what does it do?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

what is the cerebrospinal fluid?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

what is the function of the hippocampus?

Answer 14

temporary storage of memory and emotions

Question 15

what is the function of the cerebrum?

Answer 15

the largest part of the brain that contains the centers for intellect, learning and memory

Question 16

what is the function of the cerebellum?

Answer 16

reflexes, unconscious coordination of posture, body movements and voluntary fine motor skills

Question 17

what is the function of the hypothalamus?

Answer 17

regulates internal environment, plays a role in behavior/emotions and coordinates the actions of the pituitary gland

Question 18

what is the function of the cerebral cortex?

Answer 18

outer covering of grey matter that is responsible for memory, language, personality, vision, conscious thought and emotion

Question 19

what is the function of the corpus callosum?

Answer 19

link the right and left halves of the brain and send messages from one hemisphere to another

Question 20

what is the right-brain associated with?

Answer 20

holistic and intuitive thinking, visual-spatial skills, and artistic abilities

Question 21

what is the left-brain associated with?

Answer 21

sequential and logical ways of thinking, and linguistic/mathematical skills

Question 22

how does a memory form?

Answer 22

it is formed by the consolidation of memory. the more information is repeated or used, the more likely we are to retain it

Question 23

where are long term memories stored?

Answer 23

throughout the cortex of the brain because they involve most of he sense

Question 24

what is the function of the medulla oblongata?

Answer 24

reflexes, autonomic functions that maintain homeostasis