Back to AI Flashcard MakerPsychology /GRE® Psychology Biological: Physiological/Behavioral Neuroscience Part 2
GRE® Psychology Biological: Physiological/Behavioral Neuroscience Part 2
This deck covers key concepts in physiological and behavioral neuroscience, focusing on the nervous system, brain functions, and methods of studying the brain.
What is the difference between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system?
The central nervous system includes the nerves in bones. The peripheral nervous system includes the nerves not encased in bone.
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Key Terms
Term
Definition
What is the difference between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system?
The central nervous system includes the nerves in bones. The peripheral nervous system includes the nerves not encased in bone.
When you want to answer a question in class, what part of the nervous system controls your ability to raise your hand?
The somatic nervous system controls voluntary muscle movements.
When your stomach begins to growl before lunch, what part of the nervous system is activated?
The autonomic nervous system is activated, which controls the parts of our bodies that work automatically, like heart beats, breathing, and digestive ...
What does the sympathetic nervous system do?
Like the gas pedal in a car, the sympathetic nervous system accelerates functions needed for responding quickly to stress, like breathing, heart rate,...
What is the function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
It is like the brake pedal of a car, counteracting the sympathetic nervous system after stress has passed. It is also active during periods of 'sex, s...
How did Phineas Gage contribute to the field of psychology?
Phineas Gage received frontal lobe damage after an accident, and his personality changed dramatically. This helped researchers conclude that the damag...
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
What is the difference between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system? | The central nervous system includes the nerves in bones. The peripheral nervous system includes the nerves not encased in bone. |
When you want to answer a question in class, what part of the nervous system controls your ability to raise your hand? | The somatic nervous system controls voluntary muscle movements. |
When your stomach begins to growl before lunch, what part of the nervous system is activated? | The autonomic nervous system is activated, which controls the parts of our bodies that work automatically, like heart beats, breathing, and digestive muscles. |
What does the sympathetic nervous system do? | Like the gas pedal in a car, the sympathetic nervous system accelerates functions needed for responding quickly to stress, like breathing, heart rate, and pupil dilation, and slows functions not immediately necessary, like digestion. |
What is the function of the parasympathetic nervous system? | It is like the brake pedal of a car, counteracting the sympathetic nervous system after stress has passed. It is also active during periods of 'sex, sleep, and sustenance.' |
How did Phineas Gage contribute to the field of psychology? | Phineas Gage received frontal lobe damage after an accident, and his personality changed dramatically. This helped researchers conclude that the damaged part of the brain is an area where emotion regulation is controlled. |
What are ways in which psychologists study the functions of different brain areas? | • accidents • lesions • electroencephalogram (EEG) • Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT or CT) • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) • Positron Emission Tomography (PET) • Functional MRI (fMRI) |
Describe the following method of studying the brain: lesions | When brain lesions happen through damage or as a byproduct of a surgical procedure (to stop seizures, for example), psychologists are able to see what functions are impaired in a real world setting and glean the way the damaged area of the brain works. |
Describe the following method of studying the brain: electroencephalogram | (EEG) | Used largely in sleep research, the electroencephalogram (EEG) detects brain waves during different states of consciousness. |
Describe the following method of studying the brain: Computerized Axial Tomography | (CAT or CT) | This method can get a three-dimensional X-ray image of the brain, which is helpful for detecting structural problems, like tumors, but does not aid in detecting brain activity. |
Describe the following method of studying the brain: Magnetic Resonance Imaging | (MRI) | Similar to a CAT scan, an MRI provides an image of the brain, rather than clues to its activation. Unlike a CAT scan, however, the MRI uses magnetic fields to image brain density and does not expose the patient to potentially harmful radiation. |
Describe the following method of studying the brain: Positron Emission Tomography | (PET) | The PET allows psychologists to see activity in the brain by monitoring how much of a chemical different parts of the brain are using. |
Describe the following method of studying the brain: Functional MRI | The fMRI is able to see blood flow in the brain during cognitive tasks, which suggests brain functioning. It also contains elements of the MRI, which gives structural information about the patient's brain. |
What parts of the brain are located in the hindbrain? | • myelencephalon (medulla) • metencephalon (pons and cerebellum) • base of reticular formation |
Describe the part of the brain: myelencephalon/medulla | The medulla (or medulla oblongata) connects the brain to the spinal cord. One of the most primitive parts of the brain, it helps control basic functions of life, like respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure. |
Describe the part of the brain: pons | The pons connects the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain, and helps control facial expression. |
Describe the part of the brain: cerebellum | Meaning 'little brain,' the cerebellum looks like a second, smaller brain on the underside of our brain. It is partially responsible for our mind-body connection, particularly in habitual muscle movements. |
Describe the part of the brain: reticular formation | Located in the midbrain, the reticular formation controls bodily arousal and our ability to focus. The reticular formation is believed to be the oldest part of the brain. |
Where are the thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus located in the brain? | the forebrain |
What are the parts of the brain known as the limbic system, and what function does the limbic system serve? | 1. thalamus 2. hypothalamus 3. hippocampus 4. amygdala 5. septal area The limbic system is involved in 'fight, flight, feeding, and fornication.' |