Psychology and Brain Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is Gross structure (brain)?
Two asymmetric hemispheres connected by corpus callosum
What is Cytoarchitectonics?
A way to map the brain by looking at how the cells are arranged in different areas. Scientists stain brain tissue and study the structure to see which parts are different.
What is fine structure (brain)? Who studied this?
The detailed organization of cells or tissues, often seen under a microscope
Korbinian Brodmann (1868-1918)
What are neurons/what do they do (brain)?
Process information
~ 100 billion in adult brain
> 100 trillion neuronal
connections
What are glial cells/what do they do (brain)?
Provide physical structure, and support functions
Explain basic neuron structure (cell body, dendrites, axons)
Cell body (soma)
- common to all cells
- contains nucleus and all structures necessary for cell functioning
Dendrites
- unique neuronal structure
- receive “input” signals from other neurons
Axons
- unique neuronal structure
- sends “output” signals to other neurons
What are Oligodendrocytes
Glial Cells that form Myelin Sheath
What do the Nodes of Ranvier do
Generates new action potential in response to depolarisation
Name the functions/processes of the Motor Cortex
Primary: Planning movement
Pre-Motor: Selection of physical movements that can accomplish the planned movement
Supplementary: Coordination of movement
Name the functions/processes of the Somatosensory Cortex
Processing pressure/pain, temperature and proprioception
Describe Step 1 of Neuron Communication
Ion flow is regulated by cell wall to create Resting Membrane Potential
(voltage difference of -70mv between inside and out of neuron)
Describe Step 2 of Neuron Communication
Resting potential is changed by Excitatory and Inhibitory Messages from other neurons (received by dendrites)
(Enough Excitatory Messages makes resting potential exceed a threshold of -55mv)
Describe Step 3 of Neuron Communication
Depolarization at Axon Hillock creates a current (Action Potential) that moves down the axon
Describe Step 4 of Neuron Communication
Action potential isn’t strong enough to travel to the end of the axon due to the Axon being permeable to ions
(Oligodendrocytes and Nodes of Ranvier solve this)
Describe Step 5 of Neuron Communication
Action potential reaches the end of the axon terminal, releasing neurotransmitters
(Communication isn’t electrical between neurons, only within)
Describe Step 6 of Neuron Communication
Neurotransmitters enter the synaptic cleft, dissipates through cerebrospinal fluid to bind with the dendrites of neighbouring neurons
Describe Step 7 of Neuron Communication
Depending on the transmitter/dendrite:
Excitatory Post-Synaptic Potential: Depolarises post-synaptic neuron
Inhibitory Post-Synaptic Potential: Repolarises post-synaptic neuron
Name the executive functions of the Pre-Frontal Cortex
Planning: (self-explanatory)
Inhibition: Filtering important information
Working Memory: Short-Term Memory
Name the functions of the Visual Cortex
Perceiving line orientation, form, colour, motion, object identification
Name the functions of the Auditory Cortex
Perceiving sound frequency, sound location, music, language, prosody
Name and explain the structures of the Limbic System
Thalamus: Sensory gateway
Hypothalamus: Bodily functions
Hippocampus: Memory
Basal Gangalia: Movement + reward
Amygdala: Emotions
Name and explain the structures of the Hindbrain
Cerebellum:
*Coordinates bodily movements and motor movements
*Procedural memory stored
Medulla + Pons + Reticular Formation:
*Automatic functions
*Breathing
*Sleep + Wakefulness
