Behavioral Neuroscience

Question 1

The function of the prefrontal cortex?

Answer 1

Reflection, planning, emotional regulation, and theory of mind (ability to understand the perspective of others)

Question 2

Structural vs Functional Neuroimaging techniques?

Answer 2

Structural: anatomical structure and location in the brain
Functional: level of activation when producing a behavior

Question 3

Structural techniques?

Answer 3

CT/CAT scan- use x-ray to get a quick, cross-sectional, non-specific image of the brain

MRI- more specific detail of the brain region at each cross-section; uses a magnetic field and low exposure to ionizing radiation

Question 4

Functional techniques?

Answer 4

EEG- measure activity based on brain waves; non-invasion, but low spatial resolution

MEG- record magnetic field produced during brain activity

fMRI-take series of magnetic resonance images at real time

PET- inject positron-emitting radionuclide tracers to give 3D image of brain and changes in tracer concentration in real time

Question 5

Ganglion vs Nuclei?

Answer 5

Ganglion = neuronal cell bodies in PNS
Nuclei = neuronal cell bodies in CNS

Question 6

Basal nuclei

Answer 6

voluntary motor control (inhibit excessive movement), and procedural learning; works with cerebellum

Question 7

Basal nuclei

Answer 7

voluntary motor control (inhibit excessive movement), and procedural learning; works with the cerebellum

Question 8

Neurotransmitters

Answer 8

Dopamine- reward, pleasure (shortage = depression, lack of coordination)
Serotonin- mood, sleep (shortage = aggression, depression)
Melatonin- circadian rhythm, sleep initiation (shortage = insomnia)
GABA- main inhibitory nt in brain
Acetylcholine- excitatory in the neuromuscular junction, parasympathetic activity, (shortage = GI tract dysfunction, paralysis)
Epinephrine- fight or flight
Glutamate- main excitatory nt in brain, learning, memory and LTP, (shortage = fatigue)

Question 9

Hormone

Answer 9

Cortisol = stress
Oxytocin = sexual reproduction, trust
Endorphin = pleasure, arousal 
leptin = regulate energy and inhibit hunger

Question 10

Stress

Answer 10

Hypothalamus release CRH-> ACTH -> cortisol from adrenal gland