🧠MCAT Behavioral Sciences Review - 1 Flashcards
(200 cards)
1
Q
Which scientist is known for the doctrine of phrenology?
A
Franz Gall
2
Q
What did Pierre Flourens contribute to neuropsychology?
A
Studied the functions of the major sections of the brain through extirpation.
3
Q
William James is known as the founder of which psychological perspective?
A
Functionalism
4
Q
What was John Dewey’s contribution to psychology?
A
Critiqued the reflex arc and emphasized studying the organism as a whole.
5
Q
What significant discovery did Paul Broca make?
A
Demonstrated that specific functional impairments can be linked to specific brain lesions.
6
Q
Who was the first to measure the speed of a nerve impulse?
A
Hermann von Helmholtz
7
Q
What did Sir Charles Sherrington infer about synapses?
A
First inferred the existence of synapses.
8
Q
What are the two main divisions of the human nervous system?
A
Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
9
Q
Fill in the blank: Afferent neurons _______ sensory information to the brain.
A
transmit
10
Q
What is the role of motor neurons in the nervous system?
A
Transmit motor information from the brain and spinal cord to muscles and glands.
11
Q
True or False: Interneurons are the most numerous type of neuron in the nervous system.
A
True
12
Q
What type of behavior do reflex arcs control?
A
Reflexive behavior
13
Q
What is the function of sensory neurons?
A
Transmit sensory information from receptors to the spinal cord and brain.
14
Q
Fill in the blank: The _______ nervous system includes both the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
A
Autonomic
15
Q
Which part of the nervous system is responsible for involuntary actions like heart rate and digestion?
A
Autonomic Nervous System
16
Q
What is the main function of the cerebellum?
A
Coordination of voluntary movements.
17
Q
What is the primary function of the thalamus?
A
Relay sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex.
18
Q
What does the hypothalamus regulate?
A
Homeostasis and emotional responses.
19
Q
Which neurotransmitter is NOT classified as a catecholamine?
A
Acetylcholine
20
Q
If acetylcholinesterase activity is increased, what is the likely result?
A
Weakness of muscle movements.
21
Q
A disorder of which gland would most likely result in insomnia?
A
Pineal gland
22
Q
What transmits the pain signal to the spinal cord?
A
Sensory neurons
Sensory neurons are responsible for transmitting pain signals from the site of injury to the spinal cord.
23
Q
What type of neurons connect sensory neurons with interneurons in the spinal cord?
A
Interneurons
Interneurons relay pain impulses from sensory neurons to the brain and also facilitate reflex actions.
24
Q
What is the primary role of interneurons in the spinal cord during a pain response?
A
Send signals directly to muscles
This allows for a reflexive withdrawal from pain before the brain processes the pain signal.
25
What are the two primary components of the human nervous system?
Central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS)
## Footnote
The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS includes all nerve tissue outside the CNS.
26
What is included in the peripheral nervous system?
* 31 pairs of spinal nerves
* 12 pairs of cranial nerves
## Footnote
Cranial nerves I and II (olfactory and optic) are outgrowths of the CNS but are part of the PNS.
27
What is the function of the somatic nervous system?
Controls voluntary movements and sensory information
## Footnote
The somatic nervous system consists of sensory and motor neurons distributed throughout the skin, joints, and muscles.
28
What does the autonomic nervous system regulate?
Heartbeat, respiration, digestion, and glandular secretions
## Footnote
The ANS manages involuntary muscles associated with internal organs and glands.
29
What are the two subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system?
* Sympathetic nervous system
* Parasympathetic nervous system
## Footnote
These subdivisions often have opposing effects on bodily functions.
30
What is the main role of the sympathetic nervous system?
Accelerate heart rate and inhibit digestion
## Footnote
It is activated in response to stress and is associated with 'fight-or-flight' reactions.
31
What neurotransmitter is responsible for parasympathetic responses?
Acetylcholine
## Footnote
Acetylcholine facilitates various functions such as reducing heart rate and stimulating digestion.
32
What are the functions of the parasympathetic nervous system?
* Constricts pupils
* Stimulates flow of saliva
* Constricts bronchi
* Slows heartbeat
* Stimulates peristalsis and secretion
* Stimulates bile release
* Contracts bladder
## Footnote
These functions aid in 'rest-and-digest' activities.
33
What are the effects of the sympathetic nervous system?
* Increases heart rate
* Redistributes blood to muscles
* Increases blood glucose concentration
* Relaxes bronchi
* Decreases digestion
* Dilates pupils
* Releases epinephrine
## Footnote
These effects prepare the body for rapid action in stressful situations.
34
What are the three basic parts of the human brain?
* Hindbrain
* Midbrain
* Forebrain
## Footnote
Each part of the brain is associated with different functions and levels of complexity.
35
What is the role of the hindbrain?
Controls balance, motor coordination, breathing, and digestion
## Footnote
The hindbrain manages vital functions necessary for survival.
36
What does the midbrain primarily handle?
Sensory and motor information
## Footnote
The midbrain is involved in reflex responses triggered by visual or auditory stimuli.
37
What is the forebrain associated with?
Complex perceptual, cognitive, and behavioral processes
## Footnote
The forebrain influences human behavior, emotion, and memory.
38
What is neuropsychology?
The study of functions and behaviors associated with specific regions of the brain
## Footnote
It is used in both research and clinical settings to understand brain-behavior relationships.
39
How do researchers study brain functions using lesions?
By correlating brain damage with loss of function
## Footnote
This method helps identify the role of specific brain structures but can be complicated by the presence of multiple lesions.
40
What method can be used to create specific brain lesions in lab animals?
Extirpation or electrical stimulation
## Footnote
This allows researchers to observe the effects of targeted brain damage on behavior.
41
What happens when the brain is electrically stimulated during surgery?
Groups of neurons fire, activating associated behaviors
## Footnote
This technique helps create cortical maps and understand brain function.
42
What phenomenon may patients experience when electrical stimulation is applied to the brain?
Patients may 'see' flashes of light that are not really there.
43
What is the purpose of using electrical stimulation in neurosurgery?
To create cortical maps.
44
What type of anesthesia is required for brain surgery when using electrical stimulation?
Only local anesthesia is required.
45
What behaviors can electrodes implanted in lab animals elicit?
* Sleep
* Sexual arousal
* Rage
* Terror
46
How can electrodes be used to study brain activity?
They can record electrical activity produced by the brain.
47
What is an electroencephalogram (EEG)?
A method to study electrical activity generated by groups of neurons.
48
What is the main advantage of using EEGs in research?
EEGs are noninvasive and do not cause damage.
49
What does regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) measure?
Broad patterns of neural activity based on increased blood flow.
50
What is the assumption behind rCBF?
Blood flow increases to brain regions engaged in cognitive function.
51
How is blood flow measured in rCBF studies?
The patient inhales a harmless radioactive gas.
52
What does a CT scan do?
It takes multiple X-rays at different angles to produce cross-sectional images.
53
What is a PET scan?
A scan where a radioactive sugar is injected and its uptake is imaged.
54
What principle does MRI rely on?
The interaction of a magnetic field with hydrogen atoms.
55
What does fMRI specifically measure?
Changes associated with blood flow.
56
What are some common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS)?
* Muscle weakness
* Numbness
* Spasms
* Visual problems
* Pain
* Unstable mood
* Fatigue
57
What is interesting about the fatigue symptom in MS patients?
It is effort-independent.
58
What was the independent variable (IV) in the fMRI study on MS?
MS (probably versus control)
59
What was the dependent variable (DV) in the fMRI study on MS?
fMRI activity detection differences
60
What is the putamen and its role?
A structure in the basal ganglia that influences motor behaviors.
61
What did researchers find regarding region B's activity in MS patients compared to controls?
No difference in activity was found.
62
What was observed in region C during the tonic grip task in MS patients?
Increased activation correlated positively with subjective fatigue.
63
What was the activity pattern in region A for control subjects during the task?
Increased activation occurred.
64
What does increased activity in the cerebellum suggest about MS patients?
They may need more resources to perform motor tasks.
65
What might a lack of activation in the premotor cortex contribute to in MS patients?
Increased subjective fatigue.
66
How do researchers infer the cause of subjective fatigue in MS patients?
By comparing brain activity patterns in MS patients and healthy controls.
67
What is the primary function of the thalamus?
Serves as an important relay station for incoming sensory information, sorting and transmitting it to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex.
68
Which part of the hypothalamus is known as the hunger center?
Lateral hypothalamus (LH)
69
What mnemonic is associated with the functions of the hypothalamus?
The Four Fs: Feeding, Fighting, Flighting, (Sexual) Functioning
70
What does the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) regulate?
Satiety; it signals to stop eating.
71
What happens when the anterior hypothalamus is stimulated?
It controls sexual behavior and can lead to increased sexual activity.
72
What hormones are released from the posterior pituitary gland?
* Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) * Oxytocin
73
What is the primary role of the basal ganglia?
Coordinate muscle movement and help make movements smooth and posture steady.
74
Which disease is associated with destruction of portions of the basal ganglia?
Parkinson's disease
75
What structures comprise the limbic system?
* Septal nuclei * Amygdala * Hippocampus * Anterior cingulate cortex
76
What role does the amygdala play in behavior?
It is involved in defensive and aggressive behaviors, including fear and rage.
77
What is anterograde amnesia?
Inability to establish new long-term memories after brain injury.
78
What is the function of the anterior cingulate cortex?
Regulates impulse control and decision-making; involved in emotion and motivation.
79
What are the four lobes of the cerebral cortex?
* Frontal * Parietal * Occipital * Temporal
80
What is the primary role of the prefrontal cortex?
Manages executive functions, including attention, alertness, and long-term planning.
81
What area of the brain is responsible for speech production?
Broca's area
82
Where is the somatosensory cortex located?
On the postcentral gyrus, just behind the central sulcus.
83
What is the visual cortex also known as?
Striate cortex
84
What is the significance of the fornix in the hippocampus?
It is a long projection that connects the hippocampus with other portions of the limbic system.
85
True or False: The hypothalamus helps control some endocrine functions.
True
86
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the structure in the forebrain that serves as a sensory 'way station'.
Thalamus
87
What condition is characterized by jerky movements and uncontrolled resting tremors?
Parkinson's disease
88
What is the relationship between the amygdala and fear responses?
Damage to the amygdala reduces fear reactions.
89
What is the role of the hippocampus in memory?
Helps consolidate information to form long-term memories.
90
What is the function of the somatosensory homunculus?
Represents the sensory processing of touch, pressure, temperature, and pain.
91
What is the visual cortex primarily associated with?
Visual processing
## Footnote
The visual cortex is one of the best-understood brain regions.
92
What technique is used to research stuttering and speech perception?
Speech shadowing
## Footnote
Speech shadowing involves participants reciting along with auditory inputs.
93
Which brain regions are involved in speech shadowing?
Temporal lobe, parietal lobe, frontal cortex
## Footnote
Successful functioning of these regions is required for the task.
94
What are the primary functions of the temporal lobe?
Auditory processing, memory processing, emotion, language
## Footnote
Wernicke's area is located here and is associated with language comprehension.
95
What is contralateral communication in the brain?
One side of the brain communicates with the opposite side of the body
## Footnote
For example, left brain controls right body movements.
96
What is the dominant hemisphere typically defined as?
The hemisphere more stimulated during language reception and production
## Footnote
Usually the left hemisphere is considered dominant.
97
What is the role of the corpus callosum?
Connects and shares information between the two cerebral hemispheres
## Footnote
Its function was discovered in split-brain patients.
98
What characterizes the nondominant hemisphere?
Intuition, creativity, music cognition, spatial processing
## Footnote
It processes stimuli holistically and interprets emotional tones.
99
What is the primary function of acetylcholine?
Voluntary muscle control, attention, alertness
## Footnote
It is used in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.
100
What are catecholamines?
Epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine
## Footnote
They are closely related neurotransmitters involved in emotional experiences.
101
What is the primary role of dopamine?
Smooth movements, postural stability
## Footnote
High concentrations are found in the basal ganglia.
102
What is the function of serotonin?
Regulating mood, eating, sleeping, dreaming
## Footnote
Imbalances are associated with depression and mania.
103
What is GABA's role in the brain?
Produces inhibitory postsynaptic potentials
## Footnote
It stabilizes neural activity by causing hyperpolarization.
104
What is the function of the pituitary gland?
Regulates activities of endocrine glands
## Footnote
It releases hormones controlled by the hypothalamus.
105
What hormones do the adrenal medulla release?
Epinephrine and norepinephrine
## Footnote
These hormones are part of the sympathetic nervous system.
106
What is the function of the adrenal cortex?
Produces corticosteroids, including cortisol
## Footnote
It also contributes to sexual functioning by producing sex hormones.
107
What are the gonads?
Sex glands (ovaries in females, testes in males)
## Footnote
They produce sex hormones in higher concentrations.
108
Fill in the blank: The dominant hemisphere is primarily associated with _______.
Language, logic, and math skills
109
True or False: The nondominant hemisphere plays a prominent role in language processing.
False
## Footnote
The nondominant hemisphere is less involved in language and more in emotional tone.
110
What is the difference between ipsilateral and contralateral communication?
Ipsilateral communicates with the same side; contralateral communicates with the opposite side
## Footnote
This distinction is important in understanding brain-body interactions.
111
What neurotransmitter is associated with the fight-or-flight response?
Epinephrine
## Footnote
It is the primary neurotransmitter of the sympathetic nervous system.
112
What role do endorphins play in the body?
Natural painkillers
## Footnote
They have actions similar to morphine or other opioids.
113
What does the adrenal medulla release?
Epinephrine and norepinephrine
114
What hormones are produced by the adrenal cortex?
Corticosteroids, including cortisol, testosterone, and estrogen
115
What are the gonads in females and males?
Ovaries in females and testes in males
116
What is the role of sex hormones in behavior?
Increase libido and contribute to mating behavior and sexual function
117
How does higher testosterone affect behavior?
Increases aggressive behavior
118
What is the nature vs. nurture question?
How much of an individual's behavior is influenced by genetics vs. environment
119
What are innate behaviors?
Genetically programmed behaviors observed in all individuals regardless of environment
120
What are learned behaviors?
Behaviors based on experience and environment, not heredity
121
What does adaptive value refer to?
The extent to which a trait or behavior benefits a species by influencing evolutionary fitness
122
What are family studies used for in behavioral research?
To compare rates of a trait among genetically related individuals
123
What is the limitation of family studies?
Cannot distinguish shared environmental factors from shared genetic factors
124
What do twin studies compare?
Concordance rates for a trait between monozygotic and dizygotic twins
125
What are monozygotic twins?
Identical twins sharing 100% of their genes
126
What are dizygotic twins?
Fraternal twins sharing approximately 50% of their genes
127
What do adoption studies compare?
Similarities between biological relatives and the adopted child vs. adoptive relatives
128
What is a reflex?
A behavior that occurs in response to a given stimulus without higher cognitive input
129
What is the rooting reflex?
Automatic turning of the head in response to a stimulus that touches the cheek
130
What is the Moro reflex?
Flinging out arms in response to abrupt head movement, usually disappearing after four months
131
What is the Babinski reflex?
Toes spread apart automatically when the sole of the foot is stimulated
132
What are gross motor skills?
Movements from large muscle groups and whole body motion, such as sitting and walking
133
What are fine motor skills?
Involve smaller muscles for specific movements like drawing and catching
134
What is stranger anxiety?
Fear and apprehension of unfamiliar individuals typically developing around seven months
135
What is parallel play?
A play style where children play alongside each other without influencing each other's behavior
136
What are developmental milestones?
Expected skills and behaviors that emerge at particular times in a person's development
137
What is neurulation?
The process beginning at three to four weeks' gestational age when the nervous system starts developing
138
What does the placenta do?
Transmits food, oxygen, and water to the fetus and returns waste to the mother
139
What is the effect of maternal malnutrition on fetal development?
Can lead to abnormal development, intellectual disability, and reduced immunity
140
What are critical periods in development?
Specific times when children are particularly susceptible to environmental factors
141
What is the impact of prenatal exposure to drugs like thalidomide?
Can cause severe birth defects, including malformed limbs and organ defects
142
What are developmental milestones?
Skills and behaviors expected to emerge at particular times in a person's development
143
What is the general trend for the development of gross motor skills?
Progress in a head-to-toe order
144
What types of skills develop first in relation to proximity to the center of the body?
Core skills before extremities
145
How do social skills evolve during early development?
From parent-oriented to self-oriented to other-oriented
146
What is the primary focus of behavioral psychology?
Study of physical and mental actions based on responses to external stimuli
147
What are the three types of neurons in the nervous system?
* Sensory (afferent) neurons
* Motor (efferent) neurons
* Interneurons
148
What does the autonomic nervous system control?
Involuntary actions such as heart rate and digestion
149
Define the term 'neurulation'.
The process where the notochord stimulates ectoderm to fold over and create the neural tube
150
What are primitive reflexes?
Reflexes that exist in infants and serve protective roles
151
What is the rooting reflex?
Infants turn their heads toward anything that brushes their cheek
152
What does the Moro reflex indicate?
An infant extends and retracts arms in response to a sensation of falling
153
What is the Babinski reflex?
Big toe is extended and other toes fan in response to brushing the sole of the foot
154
What does the grasping reflex entail?
Infants grab anything put into their hands
155
Describe the organization of the human nervous system.
* Central nervous system (CNS)
* Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
156
What are the subdivisions of the brain?
* Hindbrain
* Midbrain
* Forebrain
157
What is the function of the thalamus?
Relay station for sensory information
158
What role does the hypothalamus play in the body?
Maintains homeostasis and integrates with the endocrine system
159
What is the primary function of the limbic system?
Controls emotion and memory
160
What does the cerebral cortex consist of?
* Frontal lobe
* Parietal lobe
* Occipital lobe
* Temporal lobe
161
Which lobe of the brain is responsible for executive function?
Frontal lobe
162
What neurotransmitter is primarily involved in muscle movement?
Acetylcholine
163
What is the role of dopamine in the nervous system?
Maintains smooth movements and steady posture
164
What effect do endorphins and enkephalins have?
Act as natural painkillers
165
What is the classic debate of nature vs. nurture about?
The relative contributions of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) to traits
166
What do family studies examine in behavioral genetics?
Relative frequency of a trait within a family compared to the general population
167
What is the primary function of the basal ganglia?
Smoothen movements and maintain postural stability
168
What is the significance of the septal nuclei?
Involved with feelings of pleasure and addiction
169
What is a characteristic of the temporal lobe?
Controls sound processing and speech perception
170
Fill in the blank: The _______ is responsible for visual processing.
Occipital lobe
171
What does the sympathetic nervous system mediate?
Fight-or-flight responses
172
What is the function of cortisol?
Stress hormone released by the adrenal cortex
173
What is the role of serotonin in the body?
Modulates mood, sleep patterns, and eating patterns
174
What does the term 'contralateral communication' refer to?
Cerebral hemispheres communicating with the opposite side of the body
175
What are the main themes dictating stages of motor development?
* Head to toe progression
* Core to periphery development
176
What is an example of a complex behavior influenced by both genetics and environment?
Human behavior and personality traits
177
What sensations are processed by the somatosensory cortex?
Touch, pressure, temperature, pain
## Footnote
The somatosensory cortex is responsible for processing sensory information from the body.
178
What is the role of the occipital lobe?
Visual processing
## Footnote
The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for interpreting visual information.
179
What functions are associated with the temporal lobe?
Sound processing, speech perception, memory, emotion
## Footnote
The temporal lobe houses Wernicke’s area, crucial for language comprehension.
180
What is ipsilateral communication in the brain?
Communication with the same side of the body
## Footnote
Ipsilateral communication occurs when brain hemispheres interact with the same side.
181
What is contralateral communication?
Communication with the opposite side of the body
## Footnote
Contralateral communication is the interaction between hemispheres and opposite body sides.
182
How is the dominant hemisphere defined?
The one more stimulated during language reception and production
## Footnote
The dominant hemisphere is typically responsible for language processing.
183
What does the hypothalamus control?
Release of pituitary hormones
## Footnote
The hypothalamus regulates many autonomic functions and links the nervous system to the endocrine system.
184
What is the function of the adrenal medulla?
Produces adrenaline (epinephrine)
## Footnote
Adrenaline is critical for the body's fight-or-flight response.
185
What hormone does the adrenal cortex produce?
Cortisol
## Footnote
Cortisol is known as a stress hormone, influencing various bodily functions during stress.
186
Nature is defined as _______.
Heredity
## Footnote
Nature refers to the genetic factors that influence behavior.
187
Nurture refers to _______.
Environmental influences
## Footnote
Nurture encompasses the physical surroundings and experiences that shape behavior.
188
What are the three types of studies used in behavioral genetics?
Family study, Twin study, Adoption study
## Footnote
These studies help in understanding the influence of genetics and environment on behavior.
189
What is neurulation?
Formation of the neural tube from ectoderm
## Footnote
Neurulation is a critical process in early embryonic development leading to the central nervous system.
190
What is the rooting reflex?
Turns head toward direction of any object touching the cheek
## Footnote
This reflex is crucial for feeding in newborns.
191
What is the Babinski reflex?
Extension of big toe and fanning of other toes in response to brushing the sole of the foot
## Footnote
This reflex is normal in infants but should disappear as the child matures.
192
Gross motor development proceeds from _______ to _______.
Head to toe, core to periphery
## Footnote
This pattern describes the typical progression of motor skills in children.
193
What is the role of the hindbrain?
Balance and motor coordination
## Footnote
The hindbrain is essential for coordinating movements and maintaining posture.
194
What does the temporal lobe contain that is crucial for language comprehension?
Wernicke's area
## Footnote
Wernicke's area is vital for understanding spoken language.
195
True or False: The cerebral cortex is involved in the initial reflexive response to pain.
False
## Footnote
The initial response occurs at the spinal cord level before the brain processes the pain.
196
What are catecholamines?
Hormones produced by the adrenal glands during the fight-or-flight response
## Footnote
Catecholamines include epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
197
What is the primary function of the pineal gland?
Produces melatonin
## Footnote
Melatonin regulates sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms.
198
What is the significance of William James in psychology?
Foundational figure of functionalism
## Footnote
Functionalism focuses on how mental processes adapt to the environment.
199
What is an abnormal response to the Babinski reflex in adults?
Persistent extension of the big toe with fanning of other toes
## Footnote
In adults, this reflex indicates potential neurological issues.
200
Motor skills develop from the core toward the _______.
Periphery
## Footnote
This principle is key in understanding child development and motor skill acquisition.
