Overview of Lecture Topics on Brain Function and Damage

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts in brain function and damage, specifically from the lecture notes provided.

What are the main lobes of the cerebral cortex?

Frontal, Parietal, Temporal, and Occipital lobes.

What is the primary function of the primary motor cortex?

To control voluntary movements of the body.

What happens when there is damage to the primary motor cortex on the left side?

It results in paralysis on the right side of the body.

What are association areas of the cortex responsible for?

Higher mental functions such as planning, perception, memory, and thinking.

What is prosopagnosia?

A disorder characterized by difficulty recognizing familiar faces.

What causes symptoms of prosopagnosia?

Damage to association areas in the temporal and occipital lobes.

What is Capgras Syndrome?

A condition where individuals recognize faces but believe they are impostors.

How do individuals with prosopagnosia compensate for their condition?

By relying on voice recognition, distinctive clothing, or scents.

What is the role of the prefrontal cortex?

To regulate planning, emotional control, and social behavior.

What is apraxia?

A motor disorder caused by damage to association areas that disrupts voluntary action execution.

What is neglect syndrome?

An attentional disorder resulting from right parietal lobe damage leading to lack of awareness of the left-hand side of space.

What is anosognosia?

The denial of deficits, often seen in neglect syndrome patients.

What testing method is often used for neglect syndrome assessment?

The clock-drawing task.

What is the primary function of the corpus callosum?

To facilitate communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

What is split-brain surgery?

A procedure to alleviate severe epilepsy by severing the corpus callosum.

What are the potential effects of split-brain surgery on behavior?

Unusual behavior patterns, including phenomena like 'alien hand syndrome'.

How does the left hemisphere typically function in healthy individuals?

It is dominant for language processing and tasks.

What are the functions of the right hemisphere?

Involves spatial awareness and visual imagery.

What is an example of a cognitive function that the right hemisphere is involved in?

Managing attention for both the left and right sides.

What are pyramidal neurons?

Neurons responsible for the electrical signals detected in EEG measurements.

What is synaptic transmission?

The process by which one neuron communicates with another across a synapse.

Which systems are part of the peripheral nervous system?

The somatic and autonomic nervous systems.

What are cranial nerves responsible for?

Sensation and movement in the head and neck.

What is Bell’s Palsy?

A condition involving paralysis on one side of the face due to facial nerve issues.

How can cranial nerves affect psychological well-being?

Patients with facial paralysis may seek psychological support due to social perceptions.

What is the significance of the midbrain?

Involved in processing basic auditory and visual information.

What is one of the main functions of the cerebellum?

To maintain posture and coordinate movement.

What is the role of the thalamus in the brain?

Acts as a relay station for sensory information.

How does the hypothalamus contribute to behavior?

It regulates homeostasis and vital behaviors like feeding and fighting.

What is the function of the basal ganglia?

Associated with the regulation and coordination of movement.

What does the limbic system primarily involve?

Memory and emotional processing.

What are four key components of the cerebral cortex?

Frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes.

What is the precentral gyrus responsible for?

Basic motor control and voluntary movement.

How are primary areas different from association areas in the cortex?

Primary areas serve basic functions, while association areas handle higher-order processing.

What does Broadmann's area mapping reveal?

It shows the specific functions associated with different regions of the cortex.

What are the observable characteristics of the left and right hemispheres?

Left hemisphere dominates language; right hemisphere excels in spatial tasks.

Why is the study of split-brain patients important?

It enhances understanding of hemispheric functions.

What are the implications of ocular dominance testing in split-brain research?

Provides insights into how visual information is processed differently by each hemisphere.

What is the relationship between smell and memory?

Olfactory processing is closely tied to emotional memory recall.

What cognitive changes are involved in Capgras syndrome?

The disconnect between facial recognition and emotional response.

What is functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)?

A technique to visualize functional brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

What is EEG and how is it used?

A method to measure electrical activity in the brain using electrodes.

What principles govern the actions of neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitters must fit receptor sites to exert effects on the postsynaptic neuron.

How does synaptic reuptake function?

Neurotransmitters are recycled back into the presynaptic neuron after transmitting signal.

What is the role of glial cells in the brain?

Support and protect neurons, supplying scaffolding during development.

How do cranial nerves impact the sensory experience?

They facilitate sensation such as vision and hearing.

What are common effects of medulla damage?

Life-threatening issues like loss of swallowing control.

What does 'alien hand syndrome' describe?

A condition where an individual experiences involuntary hand movements.

What can happen if there is damage to the pons?

It can lead to sleep-related movement issues like locked-in syndrome.

What is the definition of a synapse?

The junction between two neurons where neurotransmission occurs.

What are the primary structures of the hindbrain?

Pons, medulla, and cerebellum.

What role does the hippocampus play?

Crucial for memory formation and retrieval.

What is the significance of the amygdala?

Regulates emotional responses, especially fear.

What do functional imaging techniques help researchers understand?

How brain activity correlates with function and behavior.

How can memory be influenced by sensory input?

Specific stimuli can elicit strong emotional memories.

What role does the prefrontal cortex play in social interactions?

It is essential for emotional regulation and social decision-making.

What role does the thalamus play in sensory processing?

It directs sensory information to appropriate brain regions except for smell.