Neurobiology and behaviour

    Cards (95)

    • Where is the human brain located?
      Within the skull
    • What are the three membranes covering the brain called?
      Meninges
    • What is the function of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?
      Supplies brain neurones with oxygen and nutrients
    • Where is cerebrospinal fluid produced?
      In the ventricles
    • What are the three main areas of the brain?
      • Forebrain: hypothalamus, thalamus, cerebrum
      • Midbrain: nerve fibres linking forebrain to hindbrain
      • Hindbrain: cerebellum and medulla oblongata
    • What connects the two hemispheres of the cerebrum?
      The corpus callosum
    • What are the four structural regions of each cerebral hemisphere?
      • Frontal lobe: reasoning, planning, speech, movement
      • Parietal lobe: somatosensory functions, taste
      • Temporal lobe: language, learning, memory
      • Occipital lobe: vision
    • What is the composition of the cortex in the brain?
      Grey matter outer layer, white matter inner area
    • What functions does the cerebrum integrate?
      Sensory functions and voluntary motor functions
    • What does the hypothalamus control?
      Body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep
    • What is the main control region of the autonomic nervous system?
      The hypothalamus
    • What is the role of the thalamus?
      Relay centre for information to cerebral cortex
    • What is the function of the hippocampus?
      Involved in emotion, learning, and memory
    • What does the cerebellum coordinate?
      Precision and timing in muscular activity
    • What does the medulla oblongata connect?
      The brain to the spinal cord
    • What functions does the medulla oblongata control?
      Involuntary autonomic functions like heart rate
    • What does the autonomic nervous system control?
      • Automatic functions of the body
      • Heart rate, ventilation, blood pressure, digestion
      • Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
    • What are the main functions of the sympathetic nervous system?
      • Uses noradrenaline as neurotransmitter
      • Increases blood pressure, heart rate, ventilation
      • Prepares body for 'fight or flight' response
    • Where does the sympathetic nervous system originate?
      Thoracic and lumbar regions of spinal cord
    • What are the main functions of the parasympathetic nervous system?
      • Uses acetylcholine as neurotransmitter
      • Decreases heart rate, blood pressure, ventilation
      • Promotes restorative functions of the body
    • Where does the parasympathetic nervous system originate?
      Brainstem and sacral region of spinal cord
    • How do sympathetic and parasympathetic systems interact?
      • Many organs supplied by both systems
      • Use opposing signals to adjust organ activity
    • What are the non-invasive methods of investigating the brain?
      • Electroencephalography (EEG)
      • Computerised Tomography (CT)
      • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
      • Functional MRI Imaging (fMRI)
      • Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
    • What does EEG detect?
      Voltage fluctuations in brain's electrical activity
    • What is a disadvantage of EEG?
      Only displays activity in the cerebral cortex
    • What does CT use to show brain structure?
      X-rays to create slices of the brain
    • What is a disadvantage of CT scans?
      Requires a high X-ray dose
    • What does MRI involve?
      Strong magnetic field and radio wave pulse
    • What is a disadvantage of MRI?
      Can be difficult for claustrophobic patients
    • What does fMRI show?
      Flow of oxygenated blood in the brain
    • What is a disadvantage of fMRI?
      Can be difficult for claustrophobic patients
    • What does PET scanning show?
      Areas of glucose use in the brain
    • What is a disadvantage of PET scans?
      Exposes tissue to gamma radiation
    • What connects Wernicke’s area to Broca’s area?
      The arcuate fasciculus
    • What is the arrangement of body parts in the primary motor cortex and somatosensory cortex?
      • Mapped areas for body parts
      • More refined movements take up greater area
      • Illustrated in sensory and motor homunculus
    • Where is language comprehension and speech controlled in most people?
      • Left hemisphere of cerebral cortex
      • Broca’s area: speech production
      • Wernicke’s area: language comprehension
    • Where is Wernicke’s area located?
      Temporal lobe of the left hemisphere
    • What is the function of Wernicke’s area?
      Comprehension of written and spoken language
    • Where is Broca’s area located?
      Frontal lobe of the left hemisphere
    • What is the function of Broca’s area?
      Motor control over speech production
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