All Flashcards
What is the function of the Brainstem?
Controls vital functions like breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and regulates sleep-wake cycles.
What is the function of the Reticular Activating System (RAS)?
Modulates arousal, attention, and consciousness; filters sensory info and directs attention.
What are the functions of the Right Hemisphere?
Processes spatial, nonverbal, and holistic information.
What are the functions of the Left Hemisphere?
Handles language, logic, and analytical tasks.
What is the function of the Occipital Lobe?
Processes visual information, including color, shape, depth, and motion.
What is the function of the Temporal Lobe?
Processes auditory information and language comprehension; involved in memory and emotion.
What is the function of the Parietal Lobe?
Processes sensory information related to touch, pressure, temperature, and pain; spatial processing.
What is the function of the Frontal Lobe?
Involved in higher-order cognitive processes, voluntary movements, and emotional regulation.
What is Split-Brain Research?
Surgical procedure that severs the corpus callosum to treat severe epilepsy, revealing hemispheric specialization.
How does the brain compensate after disconnection in split-brain patients?
The brain demonstrates the ability to compensate and adapt after disconnection.
What is the role of the Limbic System?
Involved in emotion, motivation, memory, and hormone regulation. Includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala.
How is brain plasticity seen in stroke recovery?
The brain can recruit other areas to perform lost functions, aiding in recovery.
How is EEG used in studying sleep?
EEG measures electrical activity, allowing for the study of sleep cycles and identification of sleep disorders.
How is fMRI used in cognitive research?
fMRI provides detailed images of brain activity, helping researchers understand cognitive processes.
How are case studies helpful in understanding brain function?
In-depth investigations of patients with brain lesions provide insights into the functions of specific brain regions.
How is TMS used in research?
TMS temporarily disrupts neural activity to study brain-behavior relationships.
How can Optogenetics be used in research?
Optogenetics allows researchers to control the activity of specific neurons using light-sensitive proteins.
How does damage to Broca's area affect language?
Damage leads to Broca's aphasia, causing difficulty producing fluent speech.
How does damage to Wernicke's area affect language?
Damage causes Wernicke's aphasia, leading to difficulty understanding language.
How does brain plasticity help in learning new skills?
The brain forms new neural connections and strengthens existing ones, enabling skill acquisition.
How does the cerebellum contribute to riding a bike?
The cerebellum is involved in motor learning and procedural memories, like riding a bike.
What is the Medulla Oblongata?
Part of the brainstem that controls heartbeat and breathing.
What is the Pons?
Part of the brainstem that helps coordinate movement and sleep.
What is the Cerebellum?
Brain structure that coordinates smooth, precise movements and maintains balance.
What is the Cerebral Cortex?
The brain's outer layer, responsible for higher-level thinking.
What is the Corpus Callosum?
Connects the two hemispheres of the brain, allowing them to communicate.
What is Broca's Area?
Area in the left frontal lobe that controls speech production.
What is Wernicke's Area?
Area in the left temporal lobe that handles language comprehension.
What is Brain Plasticity?
The brain's ability to reorganize and adapt in response to experience or injury.
What is EEG?
Electroencephalography; measures electrical activity in the brain using scalp electrodes.
What is fMRI?
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging; detects changes in blood flow related to neural activity.
What is TMS?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; temporarily disrupts neural activity to study brain-behavior relationships.
What is Optogenetics?
Allows researchers to control the activity of specific neurons using light-sensitive proteins.