Brain Structures, Heredity, and Development Lecture Notes

A set of flashcards covering brain anatomy, hemisphere specialisation, heredity, hormones, the effects of exercise and drugs, nature vs. nurture, and Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development.

What is the location and primary role of the hindbrain?

It is the lowest part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord and controls automatic functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, as well as balance and posture.

Where is the midbrain located and what are its functions?

Located between the hindbrain and forebrain, it controls body movement, processes visual and auditory reflexes, and helps maintain alertness and attention.

What processes are managed by the forebrain?

As the largest part of the brain, it is responsible for higher-order thinking, memory storage and retrieval, emotions, decision-making, and voluntary movement.

What is the purpose of the Corpus Callosum?

It is a thick band of nerve fibres that connects the left and right hemispheres, allowing them to communicate and combine logical and creative thinking.

What are the typical specialisations of the left hemisphere?

Language, speech, reading, writing, mathematics, logical thinking, and step-by-step information analysis.

What are the typical specialisations of the right hemisphere?

Creativity, music, art, recognising faces, understanding emotions, spatial awareness, and seeing the 'big picture.'

How is heredity defined in the notes?

The passing of genes from parents to their children, where each person inherits half their genes from their mother and half from their father.

Does heredity completely determine behaviour?

No, genes influence behaviour but do not completely determine it; behaviour develops through the interaction of nature (genes) and nurture (environment).

Where is Adrenaline produced and what is its primary effect?

It is produced by the adrenal glands above the kidneys and prepares the body for the 'fight or flight' response by increasing heart rate and breathing.

What are the functions of Noradrenaline?

It acts as both a hormone and neurotransmitter that increases alertness, improves concentration, and helps someone react quickly to danger.

Which neurotransmitter released during exercise is referred to as the body's natural painkiller?

Endorphins, which reduce pain and produce feelings of happiness.

What role does Dopamine play in the body?

It creates feelings of pleasure, increases motivation, and assists with learning and reward.

What are the psychological benefits of Serotonin?

It improves mood, helps regulate sleep, reduces anxiety, and increases overall emotional wellbeing.

What are the physical effects of alcohol consumption?

Slurred speech, poor coordination, slower reaction time, blurred vision, and loss of balance.

What are the possible long-term effects of cannabis use?

Addiction, reduced memory, increased risk of mental illness, lung damage if smoked, and lower motivation.

What are the psychological effects of Amphetamines?

Increased confidence, greater alertness, more energy, aggression, and anxiety.

What does the term 'Nature' refer to in the context of development?

The biological instructions inherited via genes, including physical traits and the timing of maturation like puberty.

What are examples of a 'deprived' nurture environment during childhood?

Poor diet, head trauma or seizures, serious illness, and limited educational opportunities.

In Erikson's stages, what is the crisis for ages $0-1$?

Trust vs Mistrust: the developmental task is to develop trust through consistent care.

What is the developmental task for Erikson's 'Identity vs Role Confusion' stage?

Occurring at ages $12-18$, the task is to develop a personal identity and values.

What is the crisis and task for individuals aged $65+$ in Erikson's model?

Integrity vs Despair: the task is to accept life with satisfaction rather than regret, questioning if their life was meaningful.

According to Erikson, what is the developmental task for ages $1-3$?

Autonomy vs Shame & Doubt: the task is to develop independence and confidence.