The Brain Flashcards
(35 cards)
What are the two halves of the brain called?
Hemispheres
The brain consists of two similar-looking halves known as hemispheres.
What structure links the two hemispheres of the brain?
Corpus callosum
The corpus callosum is a bridge of nerve fibres that allows communication between the left and right hemispheres.
What does the corpus callosum allow the hemispheres to do?
Communicate with each other
The corpus callosum facilitates communication between the left and right hemispheres.
What is brain lateralisation?
Different sides of the brain have different functions
Brain lateralisation refers to the specialization of the left and right hemispheres in different tasks.
Which hemisphere controls the right side of the body?
Left hemisphere
The left hemisphere controls most of the right side of the body.
Which hemisphere controls the left side of the body?
Right hemisphere
The right hemisphere controls most of the left side of the body.
What happens if there is damage to the left hemisphere?
Loss of power to speak or write
Damage to the left hemisphere affects language production but not comprehension.
What function is primarily associated with the left hemisphere?
Reasoning and numbers
The left hemisphere specializes in reasoning, numbers, and abstract thought.
What functions are primarily associated with the right hemisphere?
Spatial awareness, musical ability, artistic creativity
The right hemisphere is responsible for spatial awareness, music, and artistic creativity.
True or False: The left hemisphere can understand language.
True
The right hemisphere can understand language, even if the left hemisphere is damaged.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is a bridge of nerve fibres connecting the two hemispheres.
Corpus callosum
What part of the brain is responsible for conscious planning and decision-making?
Frontal lobe
The pre-frontal cortex is a significant area within the frontal lobe that is crucial for self-control and handling aggression.
Which study observed less activity in the frontal lobe of murderers compared to a non-criminal control group?
Raine et al. (1997)
This study is known as the Classic Biological Study.
What is the primary function of the occipital lobe?
Processes sight and sense of the environment
The occipital lobe is located at the back of the brain.
Which lobe is primarily responsible for memory functions?
Temporal lobe
This was studied by Schmolck et al. (2002) in the Contemporary Cognitive Study.
What functions does the parietal lobe control?
Language, touch, and directing bodily movements
The parietal lobe plays a role in sensory perception and spatial awareness.
What is the name of the brain structures located beneath the cortex?
Sub-cortical structures
These structures include important components like the thalamus.
Which brain structure is at the center of the limbic system?
Thalamus
The limbic system is involved in memory, appetites, and basic emotions.
What functions does the limbic system handle?
Memory, raw appetites, and basic emotions
It is associated with sleep, hunger, aggression, and sex.
What is suggested to be the source of all basic emotions?
Limbic system
This part of the brain is shared with most other animals.
What part of the brain is fully developed only in humans?
Cerebral cortex
This distinguishes humans from most other animals in terms of brain development.
What is the shape of the amygdala?
The shape of an almond.
What is the primary function of the amygdala?
It handles emotional responses, especially anger and fear.
What does proper functioning of the amygdala allow us to fear?
Only things that are dangerous.
