Introduction to Brain Development

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Questions and Answers

What role does the Frontal Lobe play in cognitive functions?

It manages our experience of touch.

It regulates impulses, emotion, and language production. (correct)

It coordinates our bodily movements with sensory input.

It is primarily responsible for visual processing.

Which part of the brain is primarily associated with performing mathematical tasks?

Hippocampus

Cerebellum

Parietal Lobe (correct)

Thalamus

In what context is the increase in physical and sexual development observed?

During threat and sexual activity. (correct)

When engaging in mental exercises.

During periods of rest and relaxation.

In the absence of emotional responses.

Which area is directly involved in voluntary movement?

Cerebral Cortex Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the brain does gray and white matter belong to?

Cerebral Cortex Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a function of the Frontal Lobe?

Bodily awareness Signup and view all the answers

Which function is the Parietal Lobe NOT involved in?

Language comprehension Signup and view all the answers

How is aggression correlated with physical and sexual development?

It increases during threat and sexual activity. Signup and view all the answers

What psychological effect can occur with high doses of cannabis?

Odd visual experiences Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a physical change associated with cannabis use?

Slowed heartbeat Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential cognitive consequence of cannabis use?

Impaired decision-making Signup and view all the answers

Frequent cannabis users may experience an increased incidence of which type of disorder?

Psychotic disorders Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of romantic love compared to addiction?

It shows signs of physical dependence. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the limbic system is primarily involved in forming new memories?

Hippocampus Signup and view all the answers

What role does the amygdala play in relation to emotional events?

Mediates fear responses Signup and view all the answers

Which structure in the limbic system connects to the nervous system to support fear responses?

Amygdala Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the thalamus in sensory processing?

Relays sensory information to appropriate brain regions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the hypothalamus?

Regulates drives and body temperature Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly defines the limbic system?

An integrated network involved in emotion and memory Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is NOT a part of the limbic system?

Cerebral cortex Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'limbus' refer to in the context of the limbic system?

The interface between older brain parts and cerebral hemispheres Signup and view all the answers

What is the main effect of alcohol on the frontal lobe?

Impares ability to inhibit behaviors and impulses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common stimulant?

Nicotine Signup and view all the answers

What primary neurotransmitter is increased by cocaine use?

Dopamine Signup and view all the answers

What effect does cannabinol have on THC-induced anxiety?

It blocks anxiety provoked by THC. Signup and view all the answers

What serious health risk is associated with excessive cocaine use?

Respiratory depression and heart failure Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cannabis is associated with fewer psychotic experiences?

Cannabis with high CBD content. Signup and view all the answers

What are the effects of amphetamines when taken in small doses?

Increase energy and alertness and lower appetite Signup and view all the answers

What psychological effect may occur when amphetamines leave the body?

Emotional letdown Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary location of CB1 receptors in the body?

Brain, particularly in areas controlling movement and memory. Signup and view all the answers

Which effects can marijuana use typically impair?

Balance, coordination, and short-term memory. Signup and view all the answers

What increases in the central nervous system (CNS) does cocaine cause?

Increased blood pressure, heart rate, and alertness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following effects is associated with the use of both cocaine and amphetamines?

Both stimulate the CNS by increasing norepinephrine Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the potential functions of CB2 receptors?

Serves as brakes on immune system function. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following effects are associated with low doses of marijuana?

Joy, relaxation, or becoming anxious. Signup and view all the answers

What psychological effects may one experience from low doses of cannabis?

Suspicion or irritation. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the therapeutic uses of marijuana due to the effects of CB1 receptors?

Treating nausea and loss of appetite. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Physical and Sexual Development

Increases during periods of threat and sexual activity
Correlated with aggression

Cerebral Cortex

Composed of gray and white matter, plays a vital role in higher cognitive functions
Frontal Lobe
- Key functions: planning, impulse regulation, emotional control, language production, voluntary movement
- Contains primary motor cortex and Broca’s area
Parietal Lobe
- Responsible for touch perception, bodily awareness, and visuo-spatial tasks
- Linked to experiences of pleasure, such as sexual excitement and satisfying cravings

Limbic System

An integrated network involved in emotion and memory
Positioned at the border between older brain structures and cerebral hemispheres
Comprised of key substructures:
- Amygdala
  - Facilitates emotional memory formation, mediates fear responses, and interprets facial expressions
- Hippocampus
  - Critical for learning and forming new memories
- Thalamus
  - Relays sensory information throughout the brain, directing it to specialized areas
- Hypothalamus
  - Regulates body temperature and drives (e.g., hunger, thirst)

Substance Use and Effects

Stimulants
- Increase CNS activity, elevate heart rate and blood pressure, enhance alertness
- Common stimulants: cocaine, amphetamines, caffeine
Cocaine
- Used by 28 million people in the U.S.; 2% are current users
- Produces euphoria by increasing dopamine and prevents its re-absorption
- Risks include overdose, respiratory failure, and heart failure
Amphetamines
- Laboratory-produced stimulants that enhance energy and alertness, while lowering appetite
- High doses can result in intoxication, rush, and psychosis

Endocannabinoid System and Cannabis

Cannabinoid Receptors
- CB1 receptors primarily in the brain control movement, memory, and vomiting, affecting balance and learning
- CB2 receptors located in the immune system, function poorly understood
Cannabis Intoxication
- Low Doses: Euphoria, relaxation, time distortion, physiological changes
- High Doses: Hallucinations, confusion, impulsivity
Risks of Cannabis Use
- Physical dependence, panic attacks, cognitive impairment, increased psychotic disorder incidence

Romantic Love as Addiction

Shares characteristics with addiction, indicating potential neurological effects similar to substance dependence

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Description

This quiz explores the physical and sexual development of the brain, focusing on the role of the cerebral cortex and its correlation with aggression. Understanding the interaction between brain matter and behavior is crucial for psychology and neuroscience students.