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Psychology 1 & 2 > the brain > Flashcards

the brain Flashcards

1
Q

recall the three theories of the brain

A
  1. brain vs. heart debate
  2. the mind body problem
  3. phrenology
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2
Q

describe the brain vs heart debate

A

a historical debate as to whether the heart or brain is responsible for mental processes such as thought, emotion and behavior.
–> the brain hypothesis is now universally accepted. There is overwhelming scientific research evidence that the brain controls mental processes and behavior. But it is known that the function of the heart can affect our thoughts, feelings and behaviours. So, the heart centred view cannoth be entirely dismissed.

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3
Q

describe the mind-body problem

A

the complex philosophical question as to whether our mind is separate and distinguishable from our body or whether they are one integrated entity.

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4
Q

describe and recall the two beliefs of the mind body problem

A
  1. Dualism: the belief that the human mind and body are separate and distinguishable from one another
  2. Monism: the belief that the human mind and body are together a singular complete entity.
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5
Q

define phrenology

A

the study of the shape and size of the human skill to determine personality and mental functioning

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6
Q

brain ablation definition

A

the surgical removal, destruction or cutting of a region of the brain

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7
Q

brain lesioning definition

A

the practice of inducing, and/or studying the effects of damage to an area of the brain

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8
Q

define cerebral hemispheres

A

the symmetrical halves of the cerebrum in the brain

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9
Q

define hemsphere specialisation

A

the difference in functioning between the left and right hemispheres of the brain when performing a specific behavior or task

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10
Q

recall some of the characterstics associated with the left side of the brain

A
  • analytical processing
  • language (verbal)
  • ordered sequencing
  • rational thought
  • logic and planning
    *right field vision
  • right side motor skills
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11
Q

recall some of the characteristics associated with the right side of the brain

A
  • spatial and visual thinking
  • emotional recognition and thought
  • creativity
  • imagination
  • left field vision
  • left side motor skills
  • non-verbal
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12
Q

define neuroimaging techniques

A

a range of techniques used to capture images of the brains function and activities –> can be categorized as structural or functional; structural includes MRI or CT (obtain images of the anatomy of the brain); functional includes PET or fMRI (view the brain ‘live’ during a response and provide information about both function and structure)

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13
Q

define computerised tomography (CT)

A

a neuroimaging technique that involves taking continuous two-dimensional x-ray images of the brain which are then stacked to create a comprehensive three-dimensional image of the brain

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14
Q

define magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A

a neuroimaging technique that uses magnetic and radio fields to take detailed two-dimensional and three dimensional images of the brain

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15
Q

define functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

A

a neuroimaging technique that uses magnetic and radio fields to take two and three dimensional images of the brain and record its activity levels

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16
Q

define the amygdala

A

almond shaped structure located deep within the temporal lobe of the brain. Plays a key role in processing emotions, particularly fear and pleasure responses. It also helps in forming emotional memories.

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17
Q

define the hippocampus

A

curved structure located within the medical temporal lobe, adjacent to the amygdala. Primarily involved in the formation and consolidation of new memories, particularly declarative (explicit) memories related to facts and events

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18
Q

define the basal ganglia

A

collection of nuclei located deep within the cerebral hemispheres. Plays a crucial role in motor control, procedural learning (skills and habits) and the regulation of emotions and cognition. Disorders in the basal ganglia can lead to movement disorders.

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19
Q

define the cerebellum

A

located at the back of the brain, beneath the cerebral cortex. Primarily responsible for coordinating voluntary movement, balance, posture and motor learning. Also plays a role in some cognitive functions such as attention and language.

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20
Q

define neocortex

A

the outer layer of the cerebral hemispheres, consisting of folded gray matter. It is involved in higher-order brain functions such as sensory perception, spatial reasoning, conscious thought, language and complex decision making. Permanent memory storage.

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21
Q

define neurons

A

nerve cells that enable the communication of information around the body.

22
Q
A
23
Q

synapse definition

A

entire junction between two neurons or between a neuron and a target cell, which includes the presynaptic axon terminals of the neuron, the synaptic gap, and the postsynaptic dendrites of the receiving neuron.

24
Q

synaptic gap definition

A

the narrow space or gap that exists between the presynaptic terminal and of one neuron and the postsynaptic membrane of the recieving neuron or target cell. This is where neurotransmitters are released.

25
Q

presynaptic neuron definition

A

the neuron that comes before the synapse and fires the message into the synaptic gap

26
Q

postsynaptic neuron definition

A

comes after the synapse and the neuron that receives the message from the synapse

27
Q

define the dendrite

A

a projection of a neuron that typically branches from the cell body and is able to receive information from other neurons

28
Q

axon definition

A

a fibre that transmits nerve signals

29
Q

myelin definition

A

a fatty substance that acts as an insulator to stop nerve signals leaking out, and which also helps speed up the flow of information

30
Q

axon terminals definition

A

structures at the end of the axon that store and release neuro-transmitters

31
Q

neurotransmitter definition

A

a chemical produced by a neuron that carries a message across the synapse to another neuron

32
Q

central nervous system definition

A

brain and spinal cord; transmits information to and receives information from the peripheral nervous system

33
Q

peripheral nervous system definition

A

carries messages to and from the central nervous system; neurons outside of the brain and spinal cord

34
Q

neuroplasticity definition

A

refers to ability of the brain and other parts of the nervous system to change in response to experience. This includes the brains capacity to recover or compensate for loss of function through injury.

35
Q

recall and define the two ways in which the brain changes as a result of neuroplasticity

A
  1. Long term potentiation: refers to the strengthening of synaptic connections as a result of repeated activation. When we gain new experiences, some synaptic connections that are frequently used are strengthened through this process.
  2. Long-term depression: this refers to the weakening of synaptic connections as a result of repeated low-level activation of certain synaptic connections.
36
Q

recall the two types of neuroplasticity that occur in response to different experiences and define

A
  1. Developmental plasticity: changes in the brain in response to ageing and the learnings associated with maturation. Occurs during critical periods in early life.
  2. Adaptive plasticity: in response to a need to adapt, such as in response to brain trauma and injury. Occurs throughout life.
37
Q

recall the three factors that influence developmental plasticity and define

A
  1. Synaptogenesis: the formation of synapses between neurons as axon terminals and dendrites grow
  2. Synaptic pruning: the elimination of underused synapses.
  3. Myelination: the formation and development of myelin around the axon of the neuron.
38
Q

recall the two factors the influence adaptive plasiticity

A
  1. Sprouting
  2. Rerouting
39
Q

define sprouting

A

the ability of a neuron to develop new branches on the dendrite axons, expanding the neurons reach and enabling new neural connections to be formed in areas of the brain where the neural activity has been prevented or depleted.

40
Q

define rerouting

A

the neurons ability to form a new connection with another undamaged neuron, enabling new neuronal connections to be formed after trauma. and by extension, cognitive functioning to be redeveloped.

41
Q

recall the two types of developmental periods and define

A
  1. Critical period: the narrow, rigid developmental period in which a specific function or skill must be learnt
  2. Sensitive period: the optimal developmental period for a specific function or skill to be learn in fastest and easiest way.
42
Q

recall the two types of acquired brain injury and define with examples

A
  1. Traumatic brain injury: occurs when there is sudden physical trauma to the brain from an external force.
    –> e.g vehicle accident, falls, violence or physical assaults, sporting accidents, infants being shaken
  2. Non-traumatic brain injury: damage to the brain caused internal factors such as lack of oxygen or tumor.
    –> stroke, aneurysm, tumor, substance abuse.
43
Q

recall and define the three biological impacts of acquired brain injury

A
  1. Seizures: can occur as a result of scars left by brain injury that produces a sudden abnormal electrical disturbance to the brain.
  2. Movement impairment: injury to any part of the brain can result in loss of movement in different areas of the body. Referred to as ‘paralysis’ and occurs because the brain is unable to send adequate motor neural messages to the bodys skeletal muscles to initate movement.
  3. Smell/olfactory impairement: any damage to neuronal pathways involved in the olfactory system leads to smell impairement.
44
Q

recall and define the three psychological impacts of acquired brain injury

A
  1. Memory loss: if brain areas are damaged (such as the hippocampus) impairments in memory can occur in shortterm, longterm and complete amnesia.
  2. Personality change: alterations in an individuals emotional and behavioural regulations can occur such as impulsivity, irritability, emotional instability.
  3. Increased susceptibility to mental disorders: brain injury can induce or exacerbate mental health disorders.
45
Q

recall and define the three social functioning impacts of acquired brain injury

A
  1. Job productivity: ABI’s and mild traumatic brain injury has shown to result in increased unemployment, work limitations, and productivity loss in the long term.
  2. Social support: changes in social relationships following an ABI can affect a persons social functioning, influencing social relationships and mental health.
  3. Antisocial behaviour: individuals may demonstrate lower levels of self-esteem which may increase levels of loneliness and a tendency to engage in aggressive and/or antisocial behaviour.
46
Q

define CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy)

A

a progressive and fatal brain disease associated with repeated head injuries and concussions.

47
Q

define concussion

A

a mild traumatic brain injury that temporarily disrupts brain function

48
Q

neurodegenerative disease definition

A

a disease characterized by the progressive loss of neurons in the brain

49
Q

recall and outline the four stages of CTE

A
  1. Stage 1 (very mild): headaches, loss of attention of concentration.
  2. Stage 2 (mild): depression, mood swings, short-term memory loss, irritation, impulsivity and emotional outbursts.
  3. Stage 3 (moderate): executive dysfunction such as impairments in decision making, problem solving, forming judgements and memory loss, difficulties with attention and concentration, depression and mood impairments, visuospatial and difficulties.
  4. Stage 4 (severe): dementia, profound loss of attention and concentration, language difficulties, paranoia, difficulties with walking, visuospatial problems and suicidal thoughts.
50
Q

recall the two types of diagnosis for CTE and define

A
  1. Post-mortem examination: an assessment of a dead body that occurs to determine cause of death.
  2. Neurofibrillary tangles: an accumulation of the protein tau that forms insoluble tangles with neurons, which then inhibit the transportation of essential substances and eventually kill the neuron entirely.
51
Q

outline some treatments for CTE

A
  • is incurable and irreversible
  • medications can be used to manage symptoms and other therapies to stabilize mood, cognition and behaviour
  • timely treatment of concussion and adhering to rest rules assosciated with concussions may reduce the risk of developing CTE

Psychology 1 & 2 (4 decks)

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