Biological and Neuropsychology Chapter 7

Introduction to Neuropsychology

• Neuropsychology is a combination of neurology and psychology.
• Research neuropsychology focuses on the relationship between the brain and behavior.
• Clinical neuropsychology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of brain-related disorders.

The Organisation of the Human Nervous System

• The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord.
• The brain is protected by the skull and three main layers: dura mater, arachnoid membrane, and pia mater.
• The CNS produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which circulates through the ventricles.
• The brain weighs only 2.1 kg and contains billions of interacting cells.

Central Nervous System

• The brain is the pinnacle of the CNS and can be divided into different regions.
• The spinal cord is an extension of the brain and runs down the centre of the back.
• The spinal cord is responsible for communication, peripheral nervous system function, and spinal nerves.

Brain and Behaviour

• The brain has many folds and ridges (gyri and sulci).
• The cerebrum is divided into four lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital.
• The cerebellum is involved in balance and coordination.
• The midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata are part of the brainstem.

The Forebrain

• The forebrain consists of the cerebrum, thalamus, hypothalamus, and limbic system.
• The thalamus receives and sends on incoming sensory information.
• The hypothalamus regulates emotions, sexual activity, temperature, hunger, and thirst.
• The limbic system is involved in emotion, motivation, and memory.

The Four Lobes

• The frontal lobe is responsible for complex thinking, decision-making, and motor control.
• Broca's area is involved in the production of speech.
• The temporal lobe processes auditory information.
• Wernicke's area is involved in comprehension of language.
• The parietal lobe processes sensory information.

Specialised Areas

• The amygdala is involved in emotions, fear, and memory.
• The hippocampus is involved in forming and storing memories.
• The basal ganglia are involved in movement and coordination.
• The reticular formation is involved in regulating the sleep-wake cycle.