6&7 Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is the patch clamp technique used for?
To study ionic currents in individual isolated living cells, tissue sections, or patches of cell membrane
This technique is important in electrophysiology.
What do single-unit recordings measure?
The electro-physiological responses of a single neuron using a microelectrode system
Also known as single-neuron recordings.
True or False: Neuroscience is solely based on subjective measurement.
False
Neuroscience is founded on objective measurement.
What are some subjective experiential factors that psychology is concerned with?
- Intelligence
- Motivation
- Mental illness
- Consciousness
These factors are difficult to measure objectively.
What is the problem with measuring neural activity in relation to experience?
While brain activity is measurable, it does not explain experiential elements
Neuroscience leaves gaps in understanding consciousness and subjective experience.
What does Substance Dualism propose?
A field that exists in its own parallel ‘realm’ of existence outside reality
This concept suggests that the mind and body are separate entities.
What is the main idea behind Emergent Dualism?
Consciousness grows inevitably out of complicated brain stages
This perspective suggests that consciousness emerges from physical processes.
Define Property Dualism.
A physical property of all matter, like electromagnetism, that scientists do not fully understand
This theory posits that consciousness is a fundamental property of matter.
What does Pan Psychism state?
All matter has a physical part, and consciousness is the psychic part of our brain
This theory suggests that consciousness is inherent in all matter.
What is Behaviourism focused on?
Behaviour alone
This approach emphasizes observable actions rather than internal mental states.
What does Identity Theory propose?
Mental states are physical events observable in brain scans
This theory links mental phenomena directly to brain activity.
What is Functionalism in relation to consciousness?
Consciousness and its states are functions the brain performs
This theory emphasizes the roles and operations of mental states.
What is Quantum Consciousness?
A theory suggesting quantum physics may better explain consciousness than classical physics
This concept remains speculative and under investigation.
Who is Professor David Chalmers?
An Australian philosopher and professor of philosophy and neural science at NYU
He has focused on consciousness and related topics since 1989.
What is the Synaptic Homeostasis Hypothesis (SHY)?
Proposes that sleep is the price the brain pays for plasticity, restoring cellular homeostasis
SHY explains the benefits of sleep on memory and synaptic strength.
What is Parkinson’s Disease (PD)?
A progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement initiation, particularly automatic functions
It primarily affects nerve cells in the substantia nigra responsible for dopamine production.
What are common symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?
- Tremor
- Slowness of movement
- Stiffness
- Balance issues
Symptoms occur when about 80% of dopamine is lost.
What are potential causes of Parkinson’s Disease?
- Genetic (10-15%)
- Environment (head injury, pesticides)
- Ageing
The exact cause remains unclear.
What is Bradykinesia?
A symptom of Parkinson’s Disease characterized by slowness of movement
It is one of the primary symptoms used for diagnosis.
What treatments are available for Parkinson’s Disease?
- Self-care (exercise)
- Medication (drug pump)
- Surgery (deep brain stimulation, ultrasound)
Management can help maintain quality of life.
What distinguishes Huntington’s Disease (HD) from Parkinson’s Disease (PD)?
Huntington’s is caused by an inherited genetic abnormality with earlier onset
Both are neurodegenerative diseases affecting movement but have different causes and symptoms.
How is Huntington’s Disease diagnosed?
Through genetic testing, neurological examination, and brain imaging
Diagnosis for PD can be more complicated due to symptom variability.
What is Nystagmus?
A rhythmical, repetitive, and involuntary movement of the eyes
It can be horizontal, vertical, or rotary and is often uncontrollable.
