Neuroscience: Language and Action Potentials

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Questions and Answers

What psychological concept is supported by the case of the patient 'Tan'?

Universal grammar theory

Preserved procedural memory

Cerebral lateralization of language (correct)

Cognitive behavioral theory

In which phase of an action potential does the relative refractory stage occur?

Hyperpolarization (correct)

Depolarization

Repolarization

Resting

What does double dissociation demonstrate about brain regions?

Specialized for different independent functions (correct)

No functional relationship

Overlapping functions

Same function but in different ways

Why is an action potential known as an all-or-none phenomenon?

It occurs only when the stimulus exceeds a threshold Signup and view all the answers

Which brain lobe plays a primary role in processing visual information?

Occipital Lobe Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of Broca's area?

Speech production Signup and view all the answers

How is information about the quality of a stimulus communicated in the nervous system?

Frequency or rate of action potentials Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about dendrites is true?

Dendrites can have many branches and primarily receive signals Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of hyperpolarization on a neuron?

It inhibits the neuron’s ability to fire an action potential Signup and view all the answers

Which symptoms are most likely to occur after an injury to the frontal lobe?

Impulsive behavior and loss of complex movements (e.g. playing piano) Signup and view all the answers

Which ion channels are open and more likely to be closed during the relative refractory period?

Sodium Channels (Na+) are closed and Potassium (K+) are open Signup and view all the answers

In what ratio does the sodium-potassium pump move ions?

3 sodium to 2 potassium Signup and view all the answers

What structure separates the frontal from the parietal lobe?

Central sulcus Signup and view all the answers

How do myelin sheets influence action potential conduction?

It increases the speed of action potential conduction using less energy Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the temporal lobe's function and location?

Anterior of the occipital lobe and posterior to the frontal lobe; processes auditory information Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of the stages of an action potential?

Stable negative charge (-70mV) → positive shift → closure of Na+ channels → delayed closure of K+ channels Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Patient 'Tan' Case

Supported the concept of cerebral lateralization of language.

Action Potential Phases

Relative refractory stage occurs during hyperpolarization.

Double Dissociation

Demonstrates that brain regions are specialized for different, independent functions.

Action Potential: All-or-None Phenomenon

Action potentials occur only if a strong enough stimulus reaches the threshold (all-or-none).

Visual Information Processing

Occipital lobe.

Broca's Area Function

Speech production.

Stimulus Quality Communication

Frequency or rate of action potentials.

Dendrites

Receive signals from other neurons; have many branches.

Phineas Gage Case Significance

Injury to the prefrontal cortex of the frontal lobe revealed its role in personality, decision-making, and impulse control.

Double Dissociation Example

Patient A repeats words but understands language while Patient B can't understand language but can form words (demonstrates independent language functions).

Hyperpolarization Effect

Inhibits the neuron's ability to fire an action potential.

Frontal Lobe Injury Symptoms

Impulsive behavior and loss of complex movements (e.g., playing piano).

Relative Refractory Period Ion Channels

Sodium (Na+) channels are closed, and potassium (K+) channels are open.

Sodium-Potassium Pump Ratio

3 sodium to 2 potassium ions.

Frontal-Parietal Lobe Separator

Central sulcus.

Myelin and Action Potential Conduction

Increases the speed of conduction using less energy.

Temporal Lobe Function and Location

Anterior of the occipital lobe and posterior to the frontal lobe; processes auditory information.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts in neuroscience including cerebral lateralization, action potential phases, and the role of specific brain regions like Broca's area. Additionally, it touches on case studies such as Patient Tan and Phineas Gage, illustrating the complexities of language processing and brain function. Test your knowledge on these essential topics in brain science!