What are the three membranes that cover the brain called? The three membranes are the meninges (dura mater, arachnoid, pia mater).
What fluid cushions the brain and spinal cord? Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) cushions the brain and spinal cord.
What is the large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres? The corpus callosum is the large band of neural fibers connecting the two hemispheres.
What are the convolutions on the surface of the cerebral cortex called? The convolutions are called gyri (raised folds) and sulci (grooves).
Which lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for visual processing? The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for visual processing.
Where is Broca’s area located, and what is its function? Broca’s area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in the production of speech.
What is the function of the hypothalamus? The hypothalamus regulates basic biological drives and motivated behaviors (e.g., hunger, thirst, temperature) and controls the endocrine system via the pituitary gland.
What brain structure is crucial for forming new memories? The hippocampus is crucial for forming new memories.
What is the difference between grey matter and white matter in the brain? Grey matter consists primarily of neuron cell bodies and dendrites, and is involved in information processing. White matter consists of myelinated axons and is involved in communication between different brain regions.
How does the limbic system influence behavior? The limbic system, including structures like the amygdala and hippocampus, is involved in emotions, motivation, learning, and memory.
What is “lateralization of function” in the cerebral hemispheres? Lateralization refers to the fact that the two hemispheres of the brain have somewhat specialized functions. For example, in most people, the left hemisphere is more involved in language and logical processing, while the right is more involved in spatial abilities and facial recognition.
Why is the cerebral cortex considered the body’s ultimate control and information-processing center? The cerebral cortex is responsible for higher-order functions such as perception, language, thinking, planning, and decision-making.
What is the role of association areas in the cortex? Association areas are involved in integrating information from different sensory areas and are responsible for higher mental functions such as learning, remembering, thinking, and speaking.
How does the pituitary gland serve as a “master gland”? The pituitary gland secret hormones that influence the activity of other endocrine glands, thereby regulating growth, metabolism, and reproductive functions.
Explain how the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems work together to maintain homeostasis. They work antagonistically; the sympathetic system mobilizes the body’s resources for action, while the parasympathetic system conserves energy and restores the body to a resting state, together maintaining a stable internal environment.
What is the significance of the blood-brain barrier? The blood-brain barrier is a protective mechanism that filters the blood entering the brain, allowing essential nutrients to pass while blocking many harmful substances, thus maintaining a stable environment for the brain.
How does an EEG (Electroencephalogram) help in studying the brain? An EEG records the electrical activity of the brain through electrodes on the scalp, allowing researchers to study brain wave patterns associated with different states of consciousness, such as sleep and wakefulness.
A person has difficulty understanding spoken language after a brain injury. Which area (Wernicke’s area) is likely damaged, and in which lobe is it located? Wernicke’s area is likely damaged, and it is located in the temporal lobe.
A patient experiences uncontrolled hunger and thirst. Which brain structure might be malfunctioning? The hypothalamus might be malfunctioning.
If a split-brain patient has an object placed in their left hand (without seeing it), they would have trouble naming it. Why? Because tactile information from the left hand goes to the right hemisphere, which typically is not the language-dominant hemisphere. Without the corpus callosum to share information with the language centers in the left hemisphere, the person cannot name the object.
A brain scan shows heightened activity in the amygdala. What process is likely occurring? The person is likely experiencing an emotion, such as fear or aggression.
Which brain imaging technique would be best for detecting a brain tumor based on brain structure? A CT (Computerized Tomography) scan or an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) would be best for detecting structural abnormalities like a tumor.
A soldier experiences a “startle response” to a loud noise. Which part of the brainstem is crucial for this arousal? The Reticular Formation is crucial for this arousal.
A person with damage to their parietal lobe might have difficulty with what? They might have difficulty with spatial orientation, perception of touch, and coordinating movement.
What division of the peripheral nervous system would carry the instructions to make your heart beat faster when you are scared? The Autonomic Nervous System (specifically the Sympathetic division) would carry these instructions.
