exploring the brain

Question 1

What does the brain do?

Answer 1

input -> computation > output, sensing > processing > effect

Question 2

What does the stretch receptor do?

Answer 2

detects if muscle has moved to send signal to nervous system

Question 3

key features of the CNS

Answer 3

symmetrical around the midline (two halves), made up of grey matter (cell bodies), and white cell matter (cell processes)

Question 4

what are different brain structures?

Answer 4

brainstem, spinal cord, cerebellum, forebrain

Question 5

what are the two main parts of the nervous system?

Answer 5

central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Question 6

what does the PNS do?

Answer 6

provides inputs and outputs for the nervous system

Question 7

what are the two divisions of the PNS?

Answer 7

somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system

Question 8

what does the somatic nervous system control?

Answer 8

interaction with the external environment (e.g. voluntary muscle movements)

Question 9

what is special about the dorsal root ganglion?

Answer 9

each nerve innervates a specific strip of skin (dermatome)

Question 10

what does the autonomic nervous system regualte?

Answer 10

internal environment (e.g. organs, glands)

Question 11

what are the two main divisions of the ANS?

Answer 11

sympathetic (flight or fight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest)

Question 12

what is the enteric nervous system?

Answer 12

part of the ANS that controls the gut

Question 13

what does the somatic nervous system interact with?

Answer 13

the external environment

Question 14

what does the autonomic nervous system interact with?

Answer 14

the internal enviroment

Question 15

what are key features of the CNS?

Answer 15

receives sensory inputs and sends motor outputs via the spinal cord and brainstem

Question 16

where do the spinal cord and brainstem send sensory information?

Answer 16

through the thalamus to the cerebral cortex

Question 17

how does information generally flow through the brain?

Answer 17

inputs from senses > brain regions > outputs to muscles or organs

Question 18

what determines a brain region’s function?

Answer 18

the nature of its inputs, outputs and how information is integrated

Question 19

what is the brainstem’s role in the nervous system?

Answer 19

transmits sensory / motor information; houses neuromodulator neurons

Question 20

what is neuromodulation?

Answer 20

widespread brain signaling that changes the excitability and function of neurons

Question 21

what is the role of the thalamus?

Answer 21

acts as the main entry point to the forebrain; a sensory information hub

Question 22

what is the cerebral cortex responsible for?

Answer 22

higher cognitive functions, sensory perception, voluntary motor actions

Question 23

what do the basal ganglia do?

Answer 23

coordinate movement

Question 24

what is the hippocampus involved in?

Answer 24

memory formation

Question 25

what is the corpus callosum?

Answer 25

a large bundle of fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres

Question 26

what does the hypothalamus control?

Answer 26

homeostatic processes like hunger, thirst, and temperature regulation

Question 27

what is the function of the cerebellum?

Answer 27

fine motor learning and coordination

Question 28

How is the nervous system organized to handle inputs and outputs?

Answer 28

The PNS manages external and internal inputs/outputs (somatic and autonomic); the CNS processes information and directs outputs through the spinal cord and brainstem.

Question 29

What are key subcortical brain structures and their functions?

Answer 29

Thalamus: Information relay Hypothalamus: Homeostasis Hippocampus: Memory Basal Ganglia: Movement coordination Cerebellum: Fine motor learning