Brain and Behavior Chapter 1
what is the name of the wrinkly substance that covers most of the brain? which part of the brain is covered by it? why is it wrinkly?
cerebral cortex or neocortex: it covers all of the forebrain: it is wrinkly because it is so large and has to fit into a small skull.
what is phrenology? how does it work? is it a scientific approach? can it be used to study how the brain controls behavior?
assumes the brain is an organ of the mind, and certain areas have certain functions, and these functions can be measured by measuring the grooves in the skull
what deficits would occur with a TBI in the brainstem?
involuntary movements could cease to occur. the need to be on a respirator or ventilator would be likely, other mobility or motor control movements could occur as well
what affect does a TBI have on neurons?
it can damage the neuron's ability to communicate with one another.
What is the reason for TBI?
it's the result of a blow to the head, most commonly caused by bicycling and playing football
What are the two halves of the brain called?
left and right hemispheres
which view of mentalism, dualism, or materialism fits best the statement that the brain controls everything we do? why?
materialism. because materialism believes the brain and nervous system are responsible for all behaviors
what are the cells called that most directly control behavior?
motor neurons
Have you ever had TBI?
no
what are the ridges/groves of the cerebral cortex called?
ridge: gyrus grove/dent: sulcus
what is the function of the somatic nervous system?
sensory information gathering and voluntary movement
what are the likely deficits if damage occurs to the somatic nervous system/autonomic nervous system?
somatic: inability to make voluntary movements, and to feel the sensation of touch, paralysis autonomic: inability for organs to function properly
based on materialism, what is responsible for behavior and is it material or non-material?
the brain and it is material
what are the two components of the central nervous system?
the brain and the spinal cord
where is the central and peripheral nervous system located?
the central nervous system encompasses the brain and spinal cord encased in the skull and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system encompasses all other neurons outside the central nervous system.
Descartes believed that a certain brain structure is the "seat of the soul" (mind) what is the name of the brain structure?
the mind
what is dualism?
the mind and body both contribute to behavior (spirit and body connected)
based on mentalism, what is responsible for behavior and is it material or non-material?
the mind is responsible for behavior and it is nonmaterial
based on dualism, what are the 2 necessary components to cause behavior? which component is material/non-material?
the mind which is nonmaterial and the body which is material
What are the 2 basic parts of the brain and what are their functions?
Cerebrum and cerebellum: cerebrum is responsible for conscious thinking and connects to the brainstem which is responsible for unconscious thinking. The cerebellum is responsible for most practiced movements and skills
Why is TBI sometimes referred to as the "silent epidemic?"
because there is so little known about traumatic brain injuries. most people who get them have little guidance into what can be done to help them.
what is materialism?
behavior can be solely explained by the brain itself and the rest of the body.
what is mentalism?
behavior is a result of a non-material mind (spiritual)
what are the two structural components of the nervous system?
central and nervous system
What is the reason to study the link between brain and behavior? (3)
*the brain's ability to produce behavior is still not understood *behavioral can be explained, sometimes cured by studying *the brain is the most complex living organ on earth and is pervasive
What kind of evidence does our textbook present for the link between brain and behavior? (3)
*the evolution of brain and behavior in diverse species of animals *the link between brain and behavior in normal people *the effects brain damage and other brain ailments has on the behavior of the effected
How common is TBI?
1.4 million people per year in the U.S.
(pg 40-41) what are the 4 lobes of the cerebral cortex? where is each lobe located and what are their functions? what deficits would occur with a TBI in each lobe?
Frontal lobe: front: executive functions, decision making temporal lobe: side: hearing, language, and musical abilities parietal lobe: top: directs movements toward a goal, performing a task occipital lobe: visual processing begins
Who is Harvey? What kind of idea did he have? is his idea possible? why/why not?
Harvey was a researcher studying electrical activity given off by the brain. He believed his brain could be preserved after he died and his information could be communicated via these electrical signals. However, the brain needs both itself and the peripheral nervous system which provides it with the sensory information necessary to communicate and function properly
Name a few disorders that can be explained by understanding the brain..
Narcolepsy, hallucinations, depression, mania, OCD
What is TBI and what are its potential consequences?
Traumatic Brain Injury, inhibited motor skills speaking skills, movements, consciousness, etc.
do you think different parts of the brain differ in size accross different animal species? why/why not?
YES. Different animal species have adapted larger parts of their brain for different environmental advantages.
when does unconscious behavior occur?
all the time, constantly to keep us alive
do all animals have the same amount of gyri and sulci? if no, what animal has a small/large amount of gyri and sulci?
no, generally, the more intelligent the animal, the more gyrus and sulci they have. humans have a large amount of gyri and sulci relative to other animals, while
what can be done to reduce the risk of TBI?
participating in activities that are less aggressive
give an example of both conscious and unconscious behavior...
reflexes, breathing, blinking, scratching your leg are unconscious behaviors. deliberately reaching your arm across a table is conscious.
what are the two components of the peripheral nervous system?
the somatic and autonamic nervous system
What is Neuroscience?
the study of anything that relates to the nervous system
What is Biopsychology?
the study of the relationship between the brain and behavior
How are Neuroscience and Biopsychology related?
they both study the biology of the brain, and both can give insight into behavior, their approach is simply different.
What is the brain?
tissue found within the skull that exerts control over behavior.
what is the function of the autonomic nervous system?
to control involuntary movement such as internal organs
what is the function of the brain and spinal cord?
to mediate behavior
