Nervous system & neurons
What is the function of the myelin sheath?
An insulating fatty coating that helps facilitate the transmission of information to other neurons
Describe the function of the hindbrain
Supports bodily functions such as breathing and heartrate, important for movement and balance, link between spinal cord and brain
What does a PET scan measure?
The volume and location of blood flow in the brain, produces a color image showing brain structure, activity and function
What is the role of the pineal gland in the sleep-wake cycle?
The pineal gland releases the hormone melatonin into the bloodstream to induce sleepiness
Describe the process of myelination
The process during childhood and adolescence where myelin sheath grows around the axons of neurons, making neural transmission more efficient.
Identify the three main types of neurons
Sensory, Motor and Interneuron
Describe the function of the midbrain
Responsible for the regulation of sleep, motor movement and arousal
Explain the difference between an MRI and an fMRI
An MRI generates a highly detailed black and white image of the brain that can be examined in cross sections. An fMRI works in a similar way but also detects and records brain activity by measuring oxygen consumption and blood flow across the brain.
Describe narcolepsy and a precipitating factor.
Suddenly falling asleep during the day. Can be triggered by high emotion or stress.
Describe the change that occurs to the amygdala during adolescence and its associated effect.
The amygdala shows heightened activity, leading to more intense emotional responses
Describe the function of the motor neuron
Communicates messages from the CNS to the particular muscles that an organism intends to move at any particular moment.
Describe the function of the forebrain
Interpreting and processing inputs from our senses, thinking, planning and reasoning and language processes.
Identify a limitation of an EEG
An EEG does not show exactly which areas of the brain are active
Describe the physiological activity of REM sleep
Eye movement, heart rate, body temperature and respiration increases, no muscle tension. The body appears calm but the brain is highly active.
Describe the key finding of John Bowlby's study on attachment. When does attachment to the caregiver begin?
Attachment is critical for emotional and psychological development.
Identify the two components of the peripheral nervous system
Somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system
What is Broca's area responsible for?
Responsible for the coordination of speech
What does an Electrooculography (EOG) measure?
Electrooculography (EOG) detects, amplifies and records electrical activity in the muscles that allow the eye to move.
Describe the role of the thalamus in the regulation of conscious attention
It is involved in focusing a spotlight on the important information and inhibiting unnecessary background information.
With reference to the Romanian Orphan Study, describe the relationship between adoption age and attachment and cognitive development.
There is a negative relationship between age of adoption and attachment, however orphans adopted before 6 months showed no significant deficits.
Describe the function of the somatic nervous system
Responsible for voluntary movement of skeletal muscles
What is Wernicke's area responsible for?
Responsible for language reception and interpretation and creation of grammatically correct speech
What does an Electromyography (EMG) measure?
Electromyography detects, amplifies and records the electrical activity of the muscles.
Contrast the restoration and evolutionary theories of sleep
The evolutionary theory of sleep sees sleep as a means of increasing an animal’s chances of survival in its environment, such as staying awake at night to avoid predators, whereas according to the restoration theory of sleep, sleep allows us to repair brain and body after a days activity.
How does an enriched environment affect neural plasticity?
Enriched environments are stimulating environments that provide opportunities for learning, exploration and social interaction. Enriched environments promote stronger neural connections, increased synapses and better cognitive outcomes.