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What is the main function of the frontal lobes in the brain?

What is the main function of the frontal lobes in the brain?

Involved in speaking, muscle movements, making plans, and judgments.

What do the parietal lobes do?

Receive sensory input for touch and body position.

What is the role of the occipital lobes?

Includes areas that receive information from the visual fields.

What function do the temporal lobes serve?

Include the auditory areas, each receiving information primarily from the opposite ear.

Explain the concept of heritability in psychology.

Heritability is the extent to which variation among individuals in a group can be attributed to their differing genes.

What are neurotransmitters?

Chemical messengers that cross synapses between neurons and influence whether the receiving neuron will generate a neural impulse.

What is the role of the amygdala?

Linked to emotion, specifically fear and aggression.

What does the hypothalamus regulate?

Controls several maintenance activities, such as eating, drinking, body temperature, and governs the endocrine system via the pituitary gland.

Describe the function of the hippocampus.

Processes conscious memories and is crucial for learning.

What does critical thinking in psychology involve?

Examining assumptions, appraising sources, discerning hidden biases, evaluating evidence, and assessing conclusions.

Define dual processing in psychology.

The principle that information is often simultaneously processed on separate conscious and unconscious tracks.

What is the main distinction between the sensory neurons and motor neurons?

Sensory neurons carry incoming information from the senses to the CNS, while motor neurons carry instructions from the CNS to the muscles and glands.

What is plasticity in the context of the brain?

The brain's ability to change and adapt as a result of experience.

Give an example of how environment influences genetic predisposition.

Childhood trauma or neglect can trigger epigenetic marks that influence how genes are expressed.

What are the three main types of neurons?

Sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons.

What are the functions of the adrenal glands?

They secrete hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine, which help arouse the body in times of stress.

How does the corpus callosum function in the brain?

It connects the left and right hemispheres, facilitating communication between them.

What is the role of GABA in the nervous system?

It is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps prevent excessive neuron firing.

How do drugs affect neurotransmission?

They can either mimic neurotransmitters (agonists) or block their action (antagonists), thus altering the effects on behavior.

Describe the concept of the all-or-none response in neurons.

When a neuron fires, it does so with a full-strength response, or it does not fire at all.

What is a neural network?

A cluster of neurons that communicate with each other, enabling complex information processing.

Explain the concept of epigenetics.

The study of how environmental influences can trigger or block the expression of genes.

What is the function of the somatosensory cortex?

Registers and processes body touch and movement sensations.

What happens in the synaptic gap?

Neurotransmitters travel across the gap to bind to receptors on the receiving neuron, influencing its activity.

What is the significance of the reticular formation?

Filters incoming stimuli and affects arousal.

What relationship does evolutionary psychology explore?

It examines how behaviors and characteristics have evolved through natural selection.

What is the function of the thalamus?

Acts as a relay station for sensory information, directing it to the appropriate areas of the brain.

What role does the cerebellum play in the brain?

Coordinates voluntary movements and balance.

What is the function of the brainstem?

Controls automatic survival functions, such as heartbeat and breathing.

What is the significance of myelin sheathing?

Insulates axons to increase the speed of neural impulses.

What are glial cells?

Support cells in the nervous system that provide insulation, nutrients, and protection for neurons.

How do hormones affect behavior?

Hormones can influence mood, motivation, and various physiological processes.

What is neuroplasticity?

The brain's ability to reorganize and adapt by forming new neural connections.

What structure is involved in forming new memories?

The hippocampus is crucial for the formation of new explicit memories.

What happens during synaptic pruning?

Excess neurons and synaptic connections are eliminated to increase the efficiency of neuronal transmissions.

What is the function of the prefrontal cortex?

Involved in complex behaviors, including planning, decision making, and social interactions.

What is the role of the cerebrum in the brain?

The cerebrum is responsible for higher brain functions, including thought, action, and emotion.

Explain the role of the brain's reward system.

The reward system governs feelings of pleasure and reinforcement, influencing behavior and motivation.

What is the limbic system's function?

The limbic system is involved in emotion, memory, and behavior regulation.

What is the function of the basal ganglia?

The basal ganglia help regulate voluntary motor control and procedural learning.

How do reflexes work in the nervous system?

Reflexes are automatic responses to stimuli, processed via the spinal cord without direct involvement from the brain.

Define what a neurotransmitter agonist is.

A substance that mimics or enhances the action of a neurotransmitter.

What is the main purpose of the myelin sheath?

To increase the speed of electrical impulses along the axon of a neuron.

How does the brain communicate with the body?

Through the nervous system, using networks of neurons that transmit messages via electrical and chemical signals.

What is neural insulation and why is it important?

Neural insulation, primarily provided by myelin, protects nerve fibers and enhances signal transmission speed.

What is the significance of brain lateralization?

Lateralization refers to the specialization of the left and right hemispheres for different tasks, influencing cognitive processes.

What are the components of the central nervous system (CNS)?

The CNS is composed of the brain and spinal cord.

Describe the function of sensory neurons.

Sensory neurons transmit sensory information from receptors to the CNS.

What is the function of motor neurons?

Motor neurons convey commands from the CNS to muscles and glands.

What role do interneurons play in the nervous system?

Interneurons connect sensory and motor neurons within the CNS.

Define the sympathetic nervous system.

The sympathetic nervous system mobilizes the body's resources under stress, preparing for 'fight-or-flight' responses.

What is the parasympathetic nervous system responsible for?

It calms the body down after stress and is involved in 'rest-and-digest' functions.

What are action potentials?

Action potentials are rapid increases and decreases in the electrical charge of a neuron's membrane.

Explain the importance of the sodium-potassium pump in neurons.

The sodium-potassium pump helps maintain a neuron's resting potential by regulating ion distribution across the membrane.

What is the significance of the synapse?

The synapse is the junction where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals between neurons.

What are excitatory neurotransmitters?

Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential.

Provide an example of an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an example of an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

What is the role of the brain's cerebral cortex?

The cerebral cortex is involved in higher brain functions such as reasoning, language, and information processing.

How does the limbic system contribute to behavior?

The limbic system regulates emotions and is associated with memory and motivation.

What is the primary function of the thalamus?

The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information before it reaches the cerebral cortex.

Describe the role of the hypothalamus in maintaining homeostasis.

The hypothalamus regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms.

What is learned helplessness?

Learned helplessness is a condition in which an individual feels unable to escape or avoid negative situations, often due to previous experiences.

Define neurogenesis.

Neurogenesis is the process by which new neurons are formed in the brain.

What effects do endorphins have on the body?

Endorphins act as natural painkillers and contribute to feelings of pleasure and euphoria.

What is the significance of dopamine in the brain?

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with reward, motivation, and motor control.

Define the function of the visual cortex.

The visual cortex processes visual information from the eyes.

How does the auditory cortex function?

The auditory cortex processes auditory information, primarily from the opposite ear.

What is the role of the insula in the brain?

The insula plays a role in emotion, perception, and self-awareness.

Explain the significance of the cerebellum in motor control.

The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements and maintains balance and posture.

What does the term neuroplasticity refer to?

Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections based on experience.

What role does the pons play in the brainstem?

The pons regulates sleep and arousal and acts as a relay between different parts of the brain.

Define the medulla oblongata.

The medulla oblongata is responsible for controlling vital life functions, such as heartbeat and breathing.

What does the term lateralization refer to?

Lateralization refers to how some cognitive processes are more efficiently performed by one hemisphere of the brain than the other.

What is the function of the primary somatosensory cortex?

It is responsible for processing sensory information from the body, such as touch and temperature.

How do hormones influence the body's stress response?

Hormones like cortisol are released during stress and prepare the body for a 'fight-or-flight' response.

What is the role of the basal ganglia in movement?

The basal ganglia help control voluntary movements and are involved in motor learning.

What is the function of the prefrontal cortex in decision making?

The prefrontal cortex is involved in logical reasoning, planning, and assessing consequences.

Describe the relationship between neurotransmitters and mental health.

Imbalances in neurotransmitters can contribute to various mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety.

What is the effect of myelin on nerve conduction?

Myelin insulates axons, allowing electrical impulses to travel faster along neurons.

How can environmental factors affect neural growth?

Environmental enrichment can stimulate neurogenesis and promote synaptic plasticity.

What are the main tasks of the brain's right hemisphere?

The right hemisphere is often associated with creativity, intuition, and spatial abilities.

What is the role of the left hemisphere in cognition?

The left hemisphere is generally involved in analytical thinking, language, and mathematical computation.

Explain the concept of reflex arcs.

Reflex arcs are simple neural pathways that mediate reflex actions, allowing for quick responses to stimuli.

How does the endocrine system interact with the nervous system?

The endocrine system communicates with the nervous system through hormones that can influence brain activity and behavior.

What is the role of oxytocin in social bonding?

Oxytocin is a hormone that promotes attachment, trust, and social bonding among individuals.

Describe the process of synaptic transmission.

Synaptic transmission involves the release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron and their binding to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.

What is the effect of chronic stress on the brain?

Chronic stress can lead to structural changes in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.

Define the term behaviorism in psychology.

Behaviorism is a school of thought that focuses on observable behaviors and the ways they're learned, emphasizing the role of the environment.

What is the primary goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?

The primary goal of CBT is to change maladaptive thinking patterns to influence emotional and behavioral responses.

What is the importance of the amygdala in fear response?

The amygdala is critical for detecting threats and triggering fear responses, influencing emotional memory.

Explain what a neurotransmitter antagonist is.

A neurotransmitter antagonist is a substance that blocks or inhibits the action of a neurotransmitter.

What is the function of the visual association areas?

The visual association areas interpret visual information and integrate it with other sensory experiences.

What role do mirror neurons play in social behavior?

Mirror neurons are believed to be involved in understanding and imitating others' actions, contributing to empathy and social interactions.

Describe the function of the prefrontal cortex regarding social behavior.

The prefrontal cortex is involved in making decisions that guide social interactions and understanding social norms.

What is the role of the parahippocampal gyrus in memory?

The parahippocampal gyrus is involved in memory encoding and retrieval, particularly for spatial memories.

How does the autonomic nervous system affect behavioral responses?

The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary bodily functions, influencing emotional responses and stress reactions.

Define the term rooting reflex.

The rooting reflex is an automatic response in infants to turn their head toward a stimulus when their cheek is touched, aiding in feeding.

What is the impact of stress hormones on cognitive function?

Stress hormones like cortisol can impair memory formation and retrieval, affecting overall cognitive function.

How do afferent and efferent neurons differ in function?

Afferent neurons carry sensory information to the CNS, while efferent neurons transmit commands from the CNS to muscles and glands.

What is the role of the nucleus accumbens in motivation?

The nucleus accumbens is a key brain region in the reward circuit, playing a crucial role in motivation and reinforcement.