retake review

1.4 the brain + foundations 1: perspectives

what is the function of the medulla?

regulates critical autonomic functions: heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure

ex. deserves a medal for being in control of the most important functions

what is the reticular activating system (RAS)?

a network of neurons, regulates arousal and attention by filtering and prioritizing sensory info

makes you alert

what is the reward center (RC)?

drives motivation and reinforces behaviors by releasing dopamine

rewards

what is the function of the hippocampus?

stores memories

ex. never forget the day you see a hippo on campus

what is the function of the hypothalamus?

in charge of hunger, thirst, body temp

tells our body when we are getting “low” on a need for survival

what is the function of the thalamus?

serves as a relay station for incoming + outgoing sensory info (except smell)

“thou must go this way”

what is the function of the frontal lobe?

in charge of movement, speaking, judgement, decision making, linguistic processing, planning

damage can lead to change in personality or difficulties in planning tasks

what is the function of the temporal lobe?

performs auditory and linguistic processing

damage can lead to aphasia

what is aphasia?

communication disorder that disables the ability to understand, read, or write

what is the function of the parietal lobe?

receives and processes sensory info for touch and body position

damage may cause troubles driving

what is the function of the cerebellum?

in charge of balance, coordination, and motor movements

a bell needs movement to be able to make a sound

what is brain plasticity?

the brain can rewire itself by forming new connections throughout life

what is a FMRI study?

study that measures blood flow and brain activity by comparing brain function

what is accommodation?

how the lens changes to focus light onto the retina which allows us to see clearly at different distances

damage to what part of the brain can result in aphasia?

wernicke’s area