Topic 4 - Neuropsychology Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is neuropsychology?
The study of how the brain and nervous system influence thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
What is the role of a neuropsychologist?
To assess, diagnose and treat brain-related conditions.
Name the main parts of a neuron.
Dendrites, soma, axon, myelin sheath, axon terminals.
What is the function of the myelin sheath?
Insulates the axon to speed up impulses.
What are the main divisions of the nervous system?
Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
What is the CNS?
The brain and spinal cord.
What is the PNS?
All nerves outside the CNS.
What is the difference between somatic and autonomic nervous systems?
Somatic controls voluntary movements; autonomic controls involuntary actions.
What are the two branches of the autonomic nervous system?
Sympathetic (activates) and parasympathetic (calms).
What is the fight-flight-freeze response?
A survival response to perceived threat.
What is the role of the vagus nerve?
Connects brain to vital organs, supports rest and digest functions.
What are the three main brain regions?
Hindbrain, midbrain, forebrain.
What does the cerebellum do?
Controls coordination and balance.
What is the limbic system?
A set of structures involved in emotion and memory.
What is the cerebral cortex responsible for?
Higher-order functions like reasoning and planning.
What does the frontal lobe control?
Decision-making, voluntary movements, personality.
What does the parietal lobe do?
Processes sensory information and spatial awareness.
What does the occipital lobe do?
Processes visual information.
What does the temporal lobe control?
Hearing, memory and language.
What is neuroplasticity?
The brain’s ability to change and adapt throughout life.
What is a spinal reflex?
An automatic response controlled by the spinal cord without brain involvement.
What are excitatory neurotransmitters?
Chemicals that increase the likelihood of a neuron firing.
Give two examples of neurotransmitters and their functions.
Dopamine (reward/motivation), Serotonin (mood regulation).
