final Flashcards
(93 cards)
what is (brain) plasticity?
the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to experience by reorganizing or growing new neural connections
what is the largest part of the human brain and what does it contain?
the cerebrum containing the cerebral cortex
how is the cerebrum divided?
into 2 hemispheres
how are the hemispheres connected?
the corpus callosum
what is the cerebrum (cerebral cortex) ?
2 separate hemispheres specialized for certain taks
what is the left side of the brain strong in?
analytical
logical
organized
what is the right side of the brain responsible for?
creativity
imaginative
empathetic
what are the 4 lobes in the cerebrum?
- frontal lobe
- parietal lobe
- occipital lobe
- temporal lobe
what is the frontal lobe in charge of?
movement, planning, memory, judgement, abstract thinking
what is the temporal lobe in charge of?
hearing and language
what is the occipital lobe in charge of?
processes visual information
what is the parietal lobe in charge of?
processes information about touch
which cortex is in the frontal lobe?
motor cortex
which cortex is in the parietal?
somatosensory cortex
how did Phineas Gage’s accident help researchers?
helped identify the role of the prefrontal cortex
what is the prefrontal cortex?
1/3 of the human cortex and is responsible for reasoning, decision making, and planning part of the brain
what is the nervous system?
interacting network of neurons that conveys electrochemical information throughout the body
what are the 2 major divisions of the nervous system?
- central nervous system (CNS)
- peripheral nervous system (PNS)
what is the central nervous system responsible for?
receives sensory information from external world and processes and coordinates this information to the body
what is the spinal cord?
a bridge between the brain and parts of the body below the neck
what is the peripheral nervous system? (PNS)
handles input and output from the CNS, includes all portions of the nervous system
what is the sympathetic nervous sytem?
fight or flight, prepares the body to expand energy
what is the parasympathetic nervous system?
rest and digest, restores and conserves energy
what are the 2 main components that make up the nervous system?
- neurons
- glial cells