psych305

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Questions and Answers

What did Korbinian Brodmann contribute to the study of brain structure?

He proposed the neuron doctrine.

He developed the concept of brain lateralization.

He discovered the function of neurotransmitters.

He identified anatomical variations in different brain regions. (correct)

How does Brodmann's work suggest different brain regions have distinct functions?

By showing that all regions have identical layering structures.

By determining that all neurons are the same in structure.

By proving that brain function is uniform across all areas.

By identifying different thicknesses of layers in various regions. (correct)

What practical application do Brodmann's areas have in modern neuroscience?

They help in mapping genetic influences on behavior.

They are used to classify types of neurotransmitters.

They are utilized to explain the process of neural regeneration.

They serve as a navigational tool for identifying brain lesions. (correct)

What is indicated by the different microanatomy found in Brodmann's areas?

That specific regions may prioritize different functions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable aspect of Korbinian Brodmann's research methodology?

He assessed and classified anatomical variations across brain regions. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Homo habilis from Homo erectus?

Homo erectus was primarily bipedal. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic contributed significantly to the success of Homo erectus?

The development of skilled hunting techniques. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of physical adaptation, what aspect set Homo erectus apart?

A more modern walking gait. Signup and view all the answers

What was a likely reason for Homo erectus's widespread migration?

Increased competition within their habitat. Signup and view all the answers

How does Homo habilis's tool use compare to that of Homo erectus?

Homo erectus developed more standardized tool shapes and sizes. Signup and view all the answers

What did Lord Adrian contribute to the field of EEG?

He recreated previous studies and confirmed brain activity. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is true of pyramidal cells in layer 3?

One part of the cell is positive/negative relative to the cell. Signup and view all the answers

Which option describes the significance of EEG in neuroscience?

EEG became mainstream for studying brain activity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a learning objective mentioned in the content?

Analyzing historical studies in EEG. Signup and view all the answers

What role do neural oscillations play according to the content?

They are a function of the neural network. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the neural electrical field?

It can be recorded from neurons that have different charge distributions. Signup and view all the answers

In which aspect did Hans Berger's work influence modern neuroscience?

He developed the concept of brain waves using EEG. Signup and view all the answers

What element is characterized by a difference in charge within a pyramidal cell?

Electrical field Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the theta amplitude when more items are given?

It increases Signup and view all the answers

What does alpha reflect in terms of perception?

Temporal resolution Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding beta waves?

They seem to be involved in motor tasks Signup and view all the answers

In what year did Worden et al. conduct their study related to alpha?

2000 Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about theta is correct?

It shows a higher amplitude with more items Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of cognitive function is associated with alpha waves?

Temporal perception Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between theta amplitude and item quantity?

Theta amplitude increases with more items Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a function associated with beta waves?

Control of deep sleep states Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the injury to Phineas Gage's brain have on his behavior?

Disrupted the balance between intellect and impulse Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Phineas Gage after his injury?

Irreverent and capricious Signup and view all the answers

What does the statement from Dr. John Harlow suggest about Gage's intellectual faculties after the accident?

His intellectual faculties were impaired by emotional impulses Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic behavior did Phineas Gage display following his injury?

Inconsistent and impulsive decision-making Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the brain is associated with executive functions and was implicated in Phineas Gage's case?

Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex Signup and view all the answers

What kind of propensities did Phineas Gage struggle to manage after his injury?

Animal propensities and desires Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best captures the emotional state of Phineas Gage after his accident?

Fitful and impatient Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Phineas Gage's personality changed to the greatest degree after his accident?

His ability to make long-term commitments Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Neuron Doctrine

Korbinian Brodmann mapped out the cytoarchitecture of the brain, meaning he looked for anatomical variation across different brain regions.
Brodmann areas are still used today as a navigational tool, for example, we might refer to a lesion in area 10.
Brodmann's areas recognized differences in the thickness of brain layers and their distinct microanatomy, implying these regions may have different functions and priorities.

The Electrical Brain

Hans Berger & EEG (Electroencephalography): Berger discovered that brain waves are measurable using electrical signals – a breakthrough that changed the study of the brain.
Lord Adrian replicated Berger's findings and acknowledged them as brain activity, making EEG a mainstream method.
Neural Electrical Field: The positive and negative electric charges across the membrane of pyramidal cells in layer 3, create a measurable electrical field that can be recorded.

THETA & Memory Scanning

Theta oscillations are associated with memory retrieval.
When subjects are asked to recall more items, the amplitude of Theta oscillations tends to be higher.

Alpha

Alpha Oscillations are related to relaxation, and occur mostly when the brain is not actively processing information.
Worden et al. (2000) researched Alpha Oscillations and sensory perception, indicating a link to sensory processing.
Alpha Oscillations are associated with temporal resolution in perception, supporting a theory about the brain's temporal processing capabilities.

Beta

Beta Oscillations appear to be linked to motor tasks.
Beta Oscillations are more prevalent when people are engaged in cognitive tasks requiring sustained attention.

Dorsolateral & Ventrolateral Prefrontal Cortex

Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is located on the top of the frontal lobe and is involved in higher-level cognitive functions such as planning, working memory, and inhibition.
Ventrolateral prefrontal cortex is found in the bottom part of the frontal lobe and contributes to decision-making, emotion regulation, and impulse control.

Executive Functions

Executive functions include decision-making, planning, working memory, attention control, and inhibition.
The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is primarily responsible for executive functions, thus supporting higher cognitive abilities and goal-directed behavior.

Phineas Gage

Phineas P. Gage, a railroad worker, survived a traumatic accident where an iron rod pierced his skull and destroyed a significant portion of his prefrontal cortex.
After the accident, Gage experienced a dramatic change in personality and behavior, becoming impulsive and exhibiting less deference to his peers – highlighting the importance of the prefrontal cortex in regulating social behavior and executive functions.

Hominin Evolution + Homo Habilis & Erectus

Hominin Evolution: The evolutionary lineage leading to modern humans, characterized by changes in bipedalism, brain size, tool use, and social behavior.
Homo Habilis ("handy man") appeared around 2.4 million years ago, known for tool use and larger brains compared to earlier hominins.
Homo Erectus emerged around 1.8 million years ago, exhibited larger brains, controlled use of fire, and had more advanced tools.
H. Habilis vs. H. Erectus: H. Habilis had a smaller cranial capacity, showed limited tool use, and lacked the advanced fire technology of H. Erectus.
Why was H. Erectus so successful? H. Erectus was successful due to a combination of factors, including larger brains, controlled use of fire, and advanced tools, all impacting their ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments.

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