Questions and Answers
What condition can result from a deficiency of dopamine in the nigrostriatal tract?
What is a possible consequence of excess dopamine in the mesolimbic tract?
How does serotonin deficiency affect behavior?
What role does GABA play in the brain?
Signup and view all the answers
What can result from increased glutamate activity in the brain?
Signup and view all the answers
Increased activity of norepinephrine is linked to which of the following?
Signup and view all the answers
A decrease of dopamine in the mesocortical tract may lead to which issue?
Signup and view all the answers
What mental health issue can result from serotonin excess?
Signup and view all the answers
Which hemisphere of the brain is primarily responsible for language functions?
Signup and view all the answers
Which area of the brain is responsible for understanding spoken language?
Signup and view all the answers
What function is associated with the frontal lobe?
Signup and view all the answers
Which neurotransmitter is linked to memory functions and is affected in Alzheimer's disease?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary function of the cerebellum?
Signup and view all the answers
What role do cholinergic neurons have in behavior?
Signup and view all the answers
Which area of the brain is primarily involved in emotional responses and memory?
Signup and view all the answers
What function does the hypothalamus regulate?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Brain Organization and Structure
- The human brain has two hemispheres: left and right, with most cerebral cortex functions represented in both.
- Language function is primarily unilateral, usually located in the left hemisphere, divided into comprehension and speech areas.
- Wernicke’s area interprets spoken and written language, while Broca’s area coordinates the muscular activities for speech.
Brain Regions and Functions
- Frontal Lobe: Involved in decision-making, reasoning, planning, behavioral inhibition, and personality.
- Parietal Lobe: Processes sensations and perceptions related to touch.
- Occipital Lobe: Responsible for visual information sensation and perception.
- Temporal Lobe: Handles auditory information and language comprehension.
- Limbic System: Key for emotions, learning, memory, and motivation.
- Hypothalamus: Regulates homeostasis including body temperature, sleep, and metabolism.
- Midbrain: Important for neurotransmitter production.
- Brainstem: Controls vital functions such as breathing, heart rate regulation, and consciousness.
- Cerebellum: Responsible for motor coordination, balance, and motor learning.
Neurochemistry of Behavior
-
Neuronal signals are transmitted by neurotransmitters, crucial for various behaviors.
-
Acetylcholine:
- Involves cholinergic neurons influencing various brain areas.
- Disruption can lead to amnesia; linked to Alzheimer's disease.
- Excess associated with depression and aggression.
-
Dopamine:
- Major for motor functions and various behaviors.
- Pathways: nigrostriatal (movement), mesolimbic (emotion), and mesocortical (cognition).
- Dysfunctions cause parkinsonism (deficiency) or psychosis (excess).
-
Serotonin:
- Broadly impacts the cortex and limbic system.
- Linked to mood disorders: deficiency relates to depression and aggression; excess to anxiety and OCD symptoms.
-
Norepinephrine:
- Projects from the brain stem to many brain areas.
- Deficits associated with depression and poor concentration; excess linked to anxiety and aggression.
-
Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid (GABA):
- Main inhibitory neurotransmitter; increases can inhibit aggressive behavior.
-
Glutamate:
- Primary excitatory neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.
- Excess activity may lead to excitotoxicity, causing neuron death, relevant in diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on how the human brain is organized, particularly focusing on the two hemispheres and their functions. This quiz covers key areas involved in language comprehension and production, including Wernicke's and Broca's areas.
