04 psych & the brain

what is the gross structure of the brain

2 asymmetric hemispheres connected by corpus callosum

what is the fine structure of the brain

cytoarchitectonics

what 2 things does the brain consist of

neurons

glial cells

what is the function of neurons

process info

what is the function of glial cells

provide physical structure & support functions

what is the basic neuronal structure

cell body (soma)

dendrites

axons

what is the function of the cell body (soma)

contains nucleus & all structures necessary for cell functioning

what is the function of the dendrites

receive "input" signals from other neurons

what is the function of the axon

sends "output" signals to other neurons

how do neurons communicate

through action potentials

what are the 7 steps involved in an action potential

1. fatty cell wall regulates ion flow creating rmp (-70mv)

2. excitatory & inhibitory messages from other neurons change rmp (-55mv)

3. initiates rapid depolarisation at axon hillock which  creates current that moves down axon

4. nodes of ranvier generate new action potential in response to depolarisation

5. arrival of action potential at presynaptic axon terminal triggers release of neurotransmitters

6. neurotransmitters enter synaptic cleft & bind w/ receptors on dendrites of adjacent neurons

7. epsp depolarises postsynaptic neuron, ipsp repolarises postsynaptic neuron

what are the 5 cortices of the brain

pre-frontal

motor

somatosensory

visual

auditory

what is the function of the pre-frontal cortex

executive functions

e.g. planning, inhibition, working memory

what are the 3 parts of the motor cortex

primary

pre-motor

supp

what is the function of the primary motor cortex

planning movements

what is the function of the pre-motor cortex

selection of physical movements to accomplish plan

what is the function of the supp area

coordination of movement including hands

what is the function of the somatosensory cortex

processes, pressure/pain, temp, proprioception

what is the function of the visual cortex

processes form, motion, line orientation, colour, object identity

what is the function of the auditory cortex

processes sound freq & location, music, language, prosody

what are the 2 parts of the hindbrain

cerebellum

medulla, pons, reticular formation

what are 2 functions of the cerebellum

helps coord complex movements

stores procedural memories (memories for muscle movements)

what is the function of the medulla, pons, reticular formation

regulates breathing, basic autonomic functions, sleep/wakefulness