Chapter 3 part 2: Neuroscience and Behaviour

Question 1

What is the function of the central nervous system (CNS)?

Answer 1

• Receives sensory information and processes/coordinates this information
• Controls skeletal and muscular systems for action

Question 2

What is the CNS composed of?

Answer 2

The brain and spinal cord

Question 3

What is the reflex arc?

Answer 3

• It is a neural pathway that controls reflex actions

- Sensory receptors -> Sensory neuron -> interneuron -> motor neuron

Question 4

What are the major divisions of the brain?

Answer 4

• Hindbrain
• Midbrain
• Forebrain

Question 5

What is the function of the hindbrain?

Answer 5

• Coordinate info coming in/out of the spinal cord

- control basic life functions

Question 6

What is the function of the midbrain?

Answer 6

• Orientation and movement

- Central location of neurotransmitters involved in arousal, mood and motivation

Question 7

What is the function of the forebrain?

Answer 7

• Cognitive, emotional, sensory and motor functions

- Controls most of the complex human functions

Question 8

What are the lobes of the cerebral cortex?

Answer 8

• Frontal
• Parietal
• Occipital
• Temporal

Question 9

What is the function of the frontal lobe in the cerebral cortex?

Answer 9

• Specialized areas for movement, abstract thinking, planning, memory and judgement

Question 10

What is the function of the parietal lobe in the cerebral cortex?

Answer 10

• Process information about touch

Question 11

What is the function of the occipital lobe in the cerebral cortex?

Answer 11

• Process visual information

Question 12

What is the function of the temporal lobe in the cerebral cortex

Answer 12

• Responsible for hearing and language.

Question 13

What are the three main ways researchers study the human brain?

Answer 13

• Studying the damaged brain
• Studying the brain’s electrical activity
• Studying the brain through imaging as people perform different tasks.