The Brain and Behavior

Localization of Brain Function

The concept is that specific areas of the brain are responsible for particular functions, such as movement, speech, and sensory processing.

The Frontal Lobe

is primarily involved in higher cognitive functions, including decision making, problem solving, and controlling behavior.

Hippocampus

is essential for memory formation and learning new things

Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI)

is a non-invasive imaging technique used to visualize detailed internal structures of the brain and other soft tissues

advantages of using MRI

non-invasive procedure and has high-resolution

Disadvantages of using MRI

·      it does not measure activity in the brain only strutcure

neuroplasticity

refers to the brain’s ability to alter its own structure following changes within the body or in the external environment

dendritic branching

the process by which neurons form new dendritic spines and connections, enhancing communication between neurons.

synapse

how neurons communicate with each other through neurotransmitters

Long term potential (LTP)

leads to longer periods of depolerization allowing proteinin sythesis used for dentric branching

neural pruning

the process by which extra neurons and synaptic connections are eliminated to increase efficiency

neurotransmitters

chemicals that transmit signals between neurons

central nervous system (CNS)

the part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord

peripheral nervous system (PNS)

the part of the nervous system that connects the central nervous system to the rest of the body

neurotranmission

neurotransmitters being sent from one neuron to the next

Acetylcholine

Muscle movement, learning, memory

Serotonin

mood, appetite, and sleep

Tryptophan

amino acid that helps build serotonin

sensory deprevation

not having much information coming through your senses

Causes for neural pruning

neglect, poverty and trauma

Explain one technique used to study the brain in relation to behaviour with reference to one study

Draganski (2004) & Maguire (2000)

Explain localization of function, with reference to one study

Maguire (2000) and Milner and Scoville (1966)

Explain neuroplasticity, with reference to one study

Draganski (2004) & Maguire (2000)

Explain the effect of one neurotransmitter on human behaviour, with reference to one study

Antonova (2011) & Passamonti (2012)

Excitatory neurotransmitter

increase the likelihood of a neuron of a neuron firing by depolarizing the neuron

Explain one ethical consideration in one study of the brain and behaviour

Antonova (2011) & Passamonti (2012)

Explain the use of one research method in one study of the brain and behaviour

Draganski (2004) & Maguire (2000)

Inhibitory neurotransmissions

decrease the likelihood of a neuron firing by hyperpolarizing the neuron.

antagonist

inhibits the action of a neurotransmitter by blocking its receptors.

agonist

enhances the action of a neurotransmitter by mimicking its effects at the receptor sites

Explain the role of one antagonist with reference to one study

Antonova (2011)

Explain the formation of neural networks with the use of one study

Draganski (2004) & Maguire (2000)

Explain neural pruning with reference to one study

Draganski (2004) & Maguire (2000)

Explain the role of one agonist with reference to one study

Antonova (2011) and Passamonti (2012)

Explain the role of inhibitory or excitatory synapses in one behaviour with reference to one study.

Anotova (2011) & Porges et al (2017)