Nervous System
Identify the two main divisions of the human nervous system
Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Identify the cerebral lobe primarily associated with visual processing
The occipital lobe
Identify the brain area that has a specific role in language production.
Broca’s area
Identify the electrical signal that travels along a neuron during neurotransmission
An action potential
Identify GABA as an example of an excitatory or inhibitory neurotransmitter
inhibitory neurotransmitter
Describe the difference between the somatic and autonomic divisions of the peripheral nervous system
The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements, while the autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing
Identify the cerebral lobe associated with executive functions such as planning and decision-making.
The frontal lobe
Identify the brain area that has a specific role in language comprehension
Wernicke’s area
Identify the gap between neurons where synaptic transmission occurs
The synaptic cleft
Describe the role of glutamate as an excitatory neurotransmitter
Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter that increases the likelihood of the receiving neuron reaching the threshold to fire an action potential.
Describe the role of the spinal cord in the human nervous system.
The spinal cord transmits sensory information from the body to the brain and motor commands from the brain to the body, while also coordinating reflex actions.
Identify the cerebral lobe associated with processing somatosensory information, including touch
The parietal lobe
Explain the specific role of Geschwind's territory in language processing
Geschwind’s territory helps integrate and connect language-related information, supporting the processing and understanding of language, particularly linking written and spoken language with meaning
dentify the structure of a neuron that releases neurotransmitters
Axon terminal
Describe the physical and psychological functions of dopamine
Dopamine has physical functions in movement and motor control, while psychologically it is involved in reward, motivation, pleasure and learning
Describe a monosynaptic spinal reflex, including the role of the spinal cord.
A monosynaptic spinal reflex is a rapid, involuntary response involving one synapse between a sensory neuron and motor neuron. The spinal cord processes the signal directly, allowing a motor response to occur without first involving the brain.
Identify the cerebral lobe associated with auditory processing
The temporal lobe
Contrast between explicit and implicit memory
Explicit memory: Memory that involves the conscious recall of facts, knowledge, and personal experiences.
Implicit memory: Memory that influences skills, habits and behaviours without conscious awareness or deliberate recall.
Difference: Explicit memory is conscious and intentional, whereas implicit memory is unconscious and automatic.
Contrast excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, using glutamate and GABA as examples
Excitatory neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, increase the likelihood of the receiving neuron firing an action potential, while inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as GABA, decrease the likelihood of it firing
Explain the impact of interference in dopamine function in Parkinson's disease, with reference to causes and symptoms
Parkinson’s disease involves the loss of dopamine-producing neurons, particularly in the substantia nigra, causing reduced dopamine function. This leads to symptoms such as tremor, muscle rigidity, slowed movement and impaired coordination
Explain how a polysynaptic spinal reflex occurs, including the role of the spinal cord.
A polysynaptic spinal reflex involves multiple synapses and interneurons between the sensory and motor neurons. The spinal cord processes the sensory information and coordinates the motor response, allowing a rapid involuntary response before the brain is involved.
Explain how brain function can be both localised and distributed, using an example of each
Some functions are localised to specific brain regions, such as language processing in Broca’s area, while other functions are distributed across multiple regions, such as explicit memory involving the hippocampus, neocortex and amygdala.
Explain the importance of the limbic system and prefrontal cortex for the experience of emotion
The limbic system is important for generating and processing emotions, particularly through structures such as the amygdala, which detects emotionally significant stimuli and produces emotional responses. The prefrontal cortex regulates these emotional responses by evaluating situations and controlling impulsive reactions. Together, they allow emotions to be experienced, interpreted and appropriately regulated
Explain neurotransmission with reference to both action potentials and synaptic transmission
An action potential is an electrical signal that travels along a neuron to the axon terminal. This triggers synaptic transmission, where neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the next neuron, transmitting the signal
Explain the impact of interference in neurotransmitter function in Alzheimer's disease, considering causes, symptoms and treatments
Alzheimer’s disease involves reduced acetylcholine function, caused by damage and loss of cholinergic neurons. This contributes to memory loss, confusion and cognitive decline. Treatments such as cholinesterase inhibitors increase acetylcholine availability and may temporarily improve symptoms