UNIT 1 PART 2 BIOLOGY

A set of flashcards reviewing key facts and concepts related to brain function, sleep, and dreaming based on lecture notes.

What is the limbic system responsible for?

It is the emotional control center of the brain.

Which part of the brain is referred to as the 'Little Brain'?

Cerebellum.

What brain structure acts as a relay station for sensory pathways?

Thalamus.

What are the three main parts of the brain?

Hindbrain, Midbrain, and Forebrain.

What is the function of the Medulla Oblongata?

Controls unconscious functions like heart rate and breathing.

Which system regulates biological needs such as hunger and thirst?

Hypothalamus.

What neurological condition did Phineas Gage's accident reveal?

The link between brain and personality.

Name an imaging technique that looks for brain damage.

Computerized Axial Tomography (CT).

What is the primary function of the Hippocampus?

Involved in memory processing.

What type of sleep is characterized by rapid eye movement?

REM sleep.

What is neuroplasticity?

The brain’s ability to 'repair' damaged areas by other areas taking over their functions.

What is the function of the Pons?

Connects the brainstem with the cerebellum and is involved in facial expressions.

What are the basic biological rhythms mentioned?

Annual, 28-day, 24-hour, and 90-minute cycles.

What are sleep spindles?

Short bursts of rapid brain activity associated with NREM-2 sleep.

What occurs during NREM-3 sleep?

Slow wave sleep with production of Delta waves.

What is insomnia?

Persistent problems falling and staying asleep.

What characterizes narcolepsy?

Sleeplessness with unpredictable sleeping at inappropriate times.

What are night terrors?

Extreme stress when sleeping, occurring in NREM-3, common in children.

What does the term 'consolidation theory' refer to?

Dreams are a way to deal with everyday life's stresses.

How do split-brain patients differ?

The two hemispheres of their brain function independently due to corpus callosum removal.

Which brain region is known as the 'Master Gland'?

Pituitary Gland.

What is the function of the Occipital Lobe?

Processes visual input.

What part of the brain is involved in language production?

Broca's Area.

What type of waves occur during wakefulness?

Alpha Waves.

What is the approximate amount of sleep most humans require?

About 25 years over a lifetime.

What theory suggests that dreams are a result of random electrical activity?

Activation-Synthesis Theory.

What hormone does the Pineal Gland produce?

Melatonin.

What are two outcomes of sleep deprivation?

Increased accidents and impaired cognitive function.

What is the role of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?

Controls automatic functions and regulates biological needs.

What brain area is crucial for coordination and balance?

Cerebellum.

What does the term 'contralaterality' mean in relation to the brain?

The control of one side of the body by the opposite side of the brain.

What is the main function of Wernicke's Area?

Understanding spoken language.

What is a common cause of sleep apnea?

Obstructive breathing during sleep.

What type of function does the Reticular Formation control?

Sleep and alertness.

What does REM Rebound refer to?

Spending more time in REM sleep after a period of sleep deprivation.

What happens to the brain's activity during REM sleep?

It is very active, similar to wakefulness.

What do EEGs measure?

Brain waves.

What does the acronym PET stand for in brain studies?

Positron Emission Tomography.

What is the primary characteristic of dreams according to Freud's theory?

They are a pathway to our unconscious.

Which part of the brain plays a critical role in processing smells?

Temporal Lobe.

What psychological phenomenon occurs when a patient acts out their dreams?

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder.

What does the amygdala regulate?

Emotional responses such as fear and aggression.

What distinguishes the left hemisphere from the right hemisphere?

The left is more analytical; the right is more creative.

What physical change happens during REM sleep?

Breathing and heart rate quicken.

What is the term for the sleepwalking phenomenon?

Somnambulism.

How does the brain maintain homeostasis?

Through the regulation performed by the hypothalamus.

What is the function of the spinal cord?

Pathway for neural fibers traveling between the brain and body.

What brain imaging technique shows changes in the brain activity?

Functional MRI (fMRI).

What emotional disorders are linked to insufficient sleep?

Impulse control problems, aggression, and depression.

What does the term 'manifest content' mean in dream analysis?

The remembered storyline of a dream.

What is the primary function of the frontal lobe?

Movement control, planning, and emotional regulation.

How does age affect sleep needs?

Older individuals generally need fewer hours of sleep.

What is a visual cue that can affect circadian rhythms?

Light exposure.

What is 'hypnagogic state'?

A semi-wakeful state of dreamlike awareness experienced during transition to sleep.

What are common sleep disorders?

Insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, night terrors.

What is the typical behavior of someone suffering from insomnia?

Land persistent difficulty in falling or staying asleep.

Who conducted important research on split-brain patients?

Michael Gazzaniga.

What brain lobe is responsible for processing auditory information?

Temporal lobe.

What type of exercises do split-brain patients exemplify?

Lateralization of brain functions.

What connection does the corpus callosum provide?

Links the two cerebral hemispheres.

What is meant by 'suggestibility' in hypnosis?

The trait-like ability to respond to hypnosis.