biological bases of behavior Flashcards
(121 cards)
Hemispheres
The brain has two hemispheres the left controls the right side of the body and the right controls the left
lateralization
there is some evidence that each hemisphere has its own focus and functions
Corpus callosum
bundle of nerves fibers that connects the two hemispheres, messages move from one side to the other
left hemisphere
specializes in language, speech, handwriting, calculation, analysis
Right hemisphere
specializes in processing, perception, visualization recognition of patterns faces and emotions
cerebral cortex
outer layer frying the folding and wrinkling allows for more surface area to fit into the skull
distinctly human traits language and human consciousness
lobes
areas of cerebral cortex, each with a specialty
Frontal lobe
areas of the cortex located in the front associated with reasoning motor skills higher level cognition and expressive language
Prefrontal cortex
linked with planning complex cognitive behavior and personality expression decision-making and moderating social behavior
Motor cortex
receives information from various levels of the brain and uses info to make Friday movement
Broca’s area
Located in the lower portion of the left frontal lobe controls motor functions involved with speech production
Parietal lobes
located at the top and back of each cerebral hemisphere containing centers for sensory signal such as touch pressure temperature in pain
somatosensory cortex
received in process is sensory information from the entire body
occipital lobes
located at the rear and bottom of each cerebral hemisphere with visual centers
Visual association cortex
recognizes lines angle shape shadows and movement
Temporal lobe
located just behind the temples responsible for sense of hearing and meaningful speech in long-term memory
Auditory cortex
received information from the ears
Wernicke’s area
located in the tempura lobe on the left side of the brain and is responsible for the comprehension of speech
Brain stem
most primitive part of the brain base of the brain connected to spinal cord
Controls messages from brain to body
Controls basic functions like breathing swallowing heart rate blood pressure consciousness
medulla
located at the top of the spinal cord controls life-sustaining and automatic functions such as heart rate breathing and blood pressure
Pons
connects the top of the brain to the bottom the bridge between the cerebral hemispheres and both medulla and the cerebellum
helps coordinate movement and connects with reticular formation
Reticular formation
network of nerves that carry messages between parts of the brain stem they help regulate arousal and sleep cycles
cerebellum
how to control posture balance and coordination of voluntary movements
thalamus 
processes in transit and sensory information is considered the sensory relay station of the brain passing information onto the cerebral cortex everything but smell