PS3141 Lecture 1: The Prefrontal Cortex and Spinal Cord Circuitry

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Questions and Answers

What is the role of the primate cerebral cortex in coordinating behaviors?

Operating the spinal cord circuitry system
Receiving sensory input
Converting sensation to action with greater flexibility (correct)
Executing rapid, automatic sensory-to-motor transformations

What distinguishes higher mammals such as primates in terms of sensory-to-motor transformation?

Using the cortex to convert sensation to action with much greater flexibility (correct)
Relying on rapid, automatic sensory-to-motor transformations
Reliance on spinal cord circuits for sensory-to-motor transformation
Dependence on cognitive content for sensory-to-motor transformation

What was the result of Phineas Gage's accident involving a metal rod impaling his brain?

Suffered severe pain and loss of vision
Experienced temporary paralysis and speech impairment
Did not survive the accident
Survived with little pain and normal pulse and vision (correct)

What type of transformations can be independent in the brain according to the text?

<p>Rapid, automatic sensory-to-motor transformations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is responsible for receiving sensory input according to the text?

<p>The earlier part of the nervous system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Primate Cerebral Cortex Role

The cerebral cortex in primates plays a crucial role in converting sensory information into coordinated actions, allowing for greater flexibility in behavior.

Higher Mammal Sensory-Motor Transformation

Higher mammals, like primates, distinguish themselves by using their cortex to translate sensory input into actions with much more adaptability.

Phineas Gage's Accident

Phineas Gage's accident, where a metal rod pierced his brain, showed that even with significant brain damage, survival with minimal pain and normal functions like vision and pulse is possible.

Independent Brain Transformations

The brain can perform fast, automatic sensory-to-motor transformations independently, meaning these processes can occur without conscious thought.

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Sensory Input Reception

The initial part of the nervous system is responsible for receiving sensory input, acting as the first step in processing information from the environment.

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