Brain Science Test Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is a neuron?
A nerve cell that makes up the nervous system
Neurons are the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system.
What is the soma?
The cell body, life support for the neuron
The soma contains the nucleus and organelles of the neuron.
What is an axon?
The long threadlike part of a nerve cell along which impulses are conducted from the cell body to other cells
Axons can be very long, allowing for communication over distances in the body.
What is a synapse?
A small gap at the end of a neuron that allows a signal to pass from one neuron to the next
Synapses are crucial for neuronal communication.
What are dendrites?
The branched extensions of a neuron that receive electrical signals from other neurons
Dendrites play a key role in processing information in the brain.
What is myelin?
A substance that insulates the axon allowing signals to gain speed and efficacy
Myelination is essential for efficient neural communication.
What does the brain stem do?
Connects spinal cord to brain and controls involuntary muscles
The brain stem is vital for basic life functions.
What is the function of the cerebellum?
Fine motor control, balance, coordination, and processing fear/pleasure
The cerebellum is involved in motor learning.
What is the role of the temporal lobe?
Hearing, speech, recognizing faces, emotion, and short-term memory
The temporal lobe is crucial for auditory processing.
What does the parietal lobe process?
Touch and taste, sensory integration, and body awareness
The parietal lobe helps integrate sensory information.
What is the primary function of the occipital lobe?
Sight and processing visual information
The occipital lobe is located at the back of the brain.
What functions are associated with the frontal lobe?
Fine motor movement, personality, concentration, planning, problem solving, judgment, speech, and smell
The frontal lobe is often referred to as the ‘executive’ part of the brain.
What is the prefrontal cortex responsible for?
Decision making, planning, and self-control
The prefrontal cortex is critical for higher cognitive functions.
What occurs during the pruning phase?
Unused synaptic connections are removed
Pruning is a natural process that enhances the efficiency of neural networks.
What does the hypothalamus regulate?
Hunger, thirst, pain, pleasure, and anger
The hypothalamus is a key player in homeostasis.
What is the role of the pituitary gland?
Master gland triggered by hypothalamus to release hormone messengers into blood
The pituitary gland controls various hormonal functions in the body.
What is neuroplasticity?
The brain’s ability to continue growing and evolving in response to experiences
Neuroplasticity allows for learning and adaptation throughout life.
Define intrinsic motivation.
Motivation driven by one’s own desires
Intrinsic motivation is often associated with personal satisfaction.
Define extrinsic motivation.
Motivation driven by external rewards or consequences
Extrinsic motivation can include grades, money, or praise.
What are the three different types of brain changes?
Chemical changes, structural changes, functional changes
Each type of change plays a role in learning and adaptation.
What are hormones?
Chemical messengers that travel through the blood and make reactions in the body
Hormones are part of the endocrine system and influence many bodily functions.
How is memory formed?
Short-term memories last a few seconds to minutes, then move to long-term storage via the hippocampus
Strengthening synapses through repeated activation aids memory retention.
Where does empathy develop in the brain?
In the right temporal parietal junction (RTPJ)
The RTPJ plays a crucial role in understanding others’ emotions.
True or False: Teen brains have a heightened reward system that responds to risk-taking.
True
This heightened response contributes to more spontaneous and reckless behavior in adolescents.
