Brain Structure and Function Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What part of the limbic system influences emotions such as aggression and fear?

Cerebellum

Amygdala (correct)

Hypothalamus

Hippocampus

What does the term 'association areas' refer to?

Areas of the cerebral cortex involved in higher mental processes such as thinking and planning.

What part of the central nervous system is located above the spinal cord?

Brain

What is the function of the brainstem?

Connects the brain to the spinal column and controls basic life functions. Signup and view all the answers

Where is Broca's area located and what does it control?

Located in the left frontal lobe; it controls production of speech. Signup and view all the answers

What does the cerebellum coordinate?

Balance and movement Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cerebral cortex?

Processes sensory information and directs movement. Signup and view all the answers

What are convolutions in the brain?

The folds in the cerebral cortex that increase the surface area of the brain. Signup and view all the answers

What is the corpus callosum?

A large band of white neural fibers that connects the two brain hemispheres. Signup and view all the answers

What structures are included in the forebrain?

Thalamus, hypothalamus, and cerebral cortex. Signup and view all the answers

What do the frontal lobes control?

Emotional behaviors, decision-making, and speech. Signup and view all the answers

What division does the hindbrain include?

Cerebellum, pons, and medulla. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the hippocampus play in the brain?

Involved in learning and forming new long-term memories. Signup and view all the answers

What does the hypothalamus regulate?

Behaviors such as eating, drinking, and body temperature. Signup and view all the answers

What is the limbic system associated with?

Emotions and memories. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the medulla?

Controls vital functions such as breathing and heart rate. Signup and view all the answers

What does the midbrain primarily handle?

Hearing and sight. Signup and view all the answers

What are motor projection areas?

Areas of the motor cortex that relay messages from the brain to muscles. Signup and view all the answers

What does neural plasticity refer to?

The brain's ability to change structurally and chemically with experience. Signup and view all the answers

What is neurogenesis?

The production of new brain cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of neuroscience?

The study of the brain and nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the occipital lobes?

Processing visual information. Signup and view all the answers

What do the parietal lobes process?

Sensory information including touch, temperature, and pain. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the pons in the brain?

Involved in sleep/wake cycles and connects various parts of the brain. Signup and view all the answers

What is Wernicke's area responsible for?

Understanding language and making meaningful sentences. Signup and view all the answers

What does the reticular formation do?

Plays an important role in attention, arousal, and alert functions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the spinal cord?

Carries messages to the peripheral nervous system and connects the brain to the rest of the body. Signup and view all the answers

What does psychobiology study?

Focuses on the biological aspects of psychological phenomena. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Brain Structure and Function Overview

The amygdala is part of the limbic system, influencing emotions like aggression and fear.
Association areas in the cerebral cortex are responsible for higher mental processes such as planning and communication.
The brain is the central part of the CNS, consisting of the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain.
Brainstem refers to the top of the spinal column, crucial for basic life functions.
Broca's area, located in the left frontal lobe, is essential for speech production.
The cerebellum coordinates balance, movement, and reflexes.
The cerebral cortex is the outer layer, involved in higher order functions like reasoning and sensory processing.
Convolutions are the folds in the cerebral cortex that increase its surface area for advanced functions.

Forebrain and Its Components

The corpus callosum connects brain hemispheres, facilitating communication and maturing in the 20s.
The forebrain encompasses the thalamus, hypothalamus, and cerebral cortex, regulating emotions and complex thought.
Frontal lobes govern decision-making, emotional control, and muscle movement, housing Broca's area for speech.
The hindbrain includes the cerebellum, pons, and medulla, managing involuntary processes such as heart rate and breathing.
The hippocampus is involved in learning and the formation of long-term memories.
The hypothalamus regulates vital behaviors including eating, drinking, and temperature control as part of the limbic system.

Functional Roles of Brain Structures

The limbic system is a cluster of structures associated with emotions and memories, including the amygdala and hippocampus.
The medulla controls essential functions like breathing and blood pressure, with fibers crossing for contralateral signals.
The midbrain is crucial for auditory and visual processing, encompassing parts of the temporal, occipital, and parietal lobes.
Motor projection areas are primarily the motor cortex, transmitting brain signals to muscles and glands.

Neuroplasticity and Brain Development

Neural plasticity allows the brain to alter its structure and functioning in response to experiences.
Neurogenesis involves the production of new brain cells, continuing even into old age as evidenced by studies on cancer patients.
Neuroscience merges biology and psychology in the study of the brain and nervous system.
The occipital lobes are dedicated to processing visual information, while the parietal lobes handle sensory information like touch and temperature.

Additional Brain Functions

The pons is pivotal in sleep-wake cycles and connects the cerebellum to the cerebral cortex.
Wernicke's area, located in the left temporal lobe, is crucial for language comprehension and sentence formation.
The reticular formation plays a significant role in attention and arousal, influencing alertness and responsiveness.
The spinal cord serves as the communication pathway between the brain and the peripheral nervous system, facilitating message transmission.

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Description

Explore the essential terms and definitions related to brain structure and function. This quiz covers key components of the brain like the amygdala and association areas, helping you understand their roles in emotions and mental processes. Perfect for students of psychology and neuroscience.