Brain and Neuropsychology

• What is the primary function of the nervous system?

  It collects and responds to information in the environment.
• What are the two main subdivisions of the nervous system?

  The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
• What does the central nervous system (CNS) consist of?

  The brain and spinal cord.
• What are the two main divisions of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

  The autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the somatic nervous system (SNS).
• What is the function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

  It operates involuntarily and has two main divisions: sympathetic and parasympathetic.
• What does the somatic nervous system (SNS) do?

  It transmits information from sense organs to the CNS and directs muscles to act.
• What are the functions of the central nervous system (CNS)?


  • Processes complex commands and decisions
  • Governs automatic functions and reflex responses
  • Center of conscious awareness and decision making
• How does the right hemisphere of the brain function in relation to the body?

  The right hemisphere controls the left side of the body.
• What is homeostasis in the context of the autonomic nervous system?

  It is the process of keeping the body in a constant and balanced internal state.
• What is the fight or flight response?

  It is a physiological arousal state ready for a response to a threat.
• What triggers the sympathetic division of the ANS during a threat?

  The hypothalamus identifies the threatening event.
• What happens to the body during the fight or flight response?


  Adrenaline is released, increasing heart rate and inhibiting digestion.
• What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system after a threat has passed?

  It returns the body to a normal resting state.
• What is the function of the hypothalamus?

  It controls many important functions such as hunger, body temperature, and thirst.
• What is a hormone?


  A chemical substance circulated in the blood that controls the activity of target cells/organs.
• What does the James-Lange theory of emotion propose?

  Physiological arousal comes first, followed by the experience of emotion.
• How does the brain interpret physiological activity according to the James-Lange theory?

  The brain interprets physiological changes to create an emotion.
• What is the significance of physiological changes in experiencing emotions?

  If no physiological changes occur, then emotions are not experienced.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the James-Lange theory of emotion?

  Strengths:

  • Explains the connection between physiological arousal and emotion
  • Supported by some real-life examples

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Challenged by Cannon-Bard theory
  • Cannot explain emotional situations without physiological changes
• What are neurons?


  Nerve cells that send electrical and chemical signals to communicate.
• What is the function of sensory neurons?


  They carry messages from the peripheral nervous system (PNS) to the central nervous system (CNS).
• What type of neurons connect sensory neurons to motor neurons?

  Relay neurons.
• What is the role of motor neurons?


  They carry messages from the CNS to muscles and glands.
• What is the structure of a neuron?

  • Cell body: Contains the nucleus with genetic material (DNA)
  • Axon: Carries signals from the cell body
  • Myelin sheath: Insulates the axon and speeds up signals
  • Terminal button: Forms part of the synapse
• What happens to a neuron during its resting state?

  It has a negative charge inside compared to the outside.
• What occurs when a neuron fires?

  The inside of the neuron changes to a positive charge, causing action potential.
• What is synaptic transmission?


  • Process by which neurons communicate with each other
  • Involves the release of neurotransmitters across the synaptic cleft
  • Neurotransmitters attach to postsynaptic receptor sites
• What are neurotransmitters?


  Chemicals released from synaptic vesicles that send signals across the synaptic cleft.
• What is the role of excitatory neurotransmitters?

  They increase the postsynaptic neuron's positive charge, making it more likely to fire.
• What is the role of inhibitory neurotransmitters?

  They increase the postsynaptic neuron's negative charge, making it less likely to fire.
• What is summation in the context of neuron firing?

  • Occurs when there are more excitatory signals than inhibitory signals
  • Causes the neuron to fire and create an electrical impulse
• What is Hebb's theory regarding the brain?

  Hebb's theory states that synaptic connections in the brain become stronger the more they are used.
• What is a cell assembly in Hebb's theory?

  Cell assemblies are groups of neurons that fire together, strengthening their synaptic connections.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Hebb's theory?

  Strengths:

  • Real-world application to education
  • Supports the idea of brain plasticity

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Reductionist approach
  • Ignores non-biological factors in learning
• What is the localisation of function in the brain?

  • Specific brain areas are responsible for specific functions
  • Damage to these areas can lead to specific deficits
• What is the role of the cerebellum?

  It is involved in movement, coordination, and balance.
• What are the four lobes of the cerebral cortex?

  Frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, and temporal lobe.
• What happens if the motor area in the left hemisphere is damaged?

  It affects the right side of the body.
• What is the consequence of damage to the visual area in the left hemisphere?

  It can cause blindness in the right visual field of both eyes.
• What can damage to Broca's area lead to?

  Difficulty remembering and forming words.