Mind-versus-body problem
Early and contemporary brain investigative techniques
Anatomy and Physiology of the Brain
Neurons
Nervous Systems
100

Monism was posited by which philosopher/physician

Claudius Galen (129-200 CE)

100

 Describe Electroencephalogram (EEG) 

EEG measures electrical activity towards the surface of the brain by assessing electrical activity in nerve cells using small, metal discs (electrodes) attached to the scalp. 

100

Identify one structure within either the hindbrain, midbrain or forebrain 

Teachers discretion in response to students answer

100

Describe the function of the axon

The axon is responsible for transmitting the electrical signals generated in the cell body to the terminal endings, where they are communicated to other neurons or muscles and glands.

100

Describe the structure and function of the central nervous system 

The central nervous system (CNS) is the portion of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord. 

The CNS integrates all information coming from various parts of the body to coordinate different activities in the body and control behaviour. 


200

Dualism was posited by which philosopher/physician

René Descartes

200

Describe Phrenology

Phrenology is a science which involves the measurement of bumps on the skull to predict mental traits

200

Distinguish between grey and white matter 

Grey matter is made up of neuron cell bodies and dendrites which are primarily evident in the surface of the brain 

White matter is made up of extend myelinated axons connecting from the grey matter which are primarily evident in the middle of the brain and the spinal cord

200

Describe the function of the dendrites

The functions of dendrites are to receive signals from other neurons and to transfer the information to the soma of the neuron.

200

Describe the structure and function of the peripheral nervous system

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of all the nerves that extend from the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body. 

It is responsible for transmitting signals between the CNS and the various tissues and organs of the body, allowing the nervous system to monitor and control the functions of the body.


300

Describe monism

Monism posits that the mind and body are not separate entities but rather a single, unified system. Monism argues that something with physical characteristics (body/brain) can influence and be related to something with non-physical properties (the mind).

300

Describe Lobotomy

Lobotomy is a surgical intervention involving the severing of nerve pathways in one or more lobes of the brain from those in other areas with the primary aim to alleviate symptoms associated with severe mental disorders.

300

 Distinguish between the sagital and coronal plane

The sagittal plane is a vertical plane that divides the brain into left and right halves by passing directly through the midline. 

The coronal plane is a vertical plane that divides the brain into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions. 

300

Describe the function of the synapse

A synapse is a specialized junction that allows communication between neurons in the nervous system. It is the point at which one neuron (presynaptic neuron) communicates with another neuron (postsynaptic neuron).

300

Distinguish between the autonomic and somatic nervous system

The somatic nervous system is responsible for all voluntary movements and sensations. Whereas, the autonomic nervous system is responsible for all involuntary movements and sensations.

400

Describe Dualism 

Dualism suggests that the mind is a separate entity from the body, advocating for a clear distinction between these two aspects of human existence.

400

Describe Positron Emission tomography (PET)

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a neuroimaging technique that involves injecting a small quantity of radioactive glucose into the bloodstream and using a specialised camera to detect the rays emitted by the decaying particles.

400

Describe the function of the hindbrain (double points if you can name all structures within the hindbrain)

The hindbrain plays a crucial role in regulating the body's basic functions necessary for survival 

The hind brain comprises the medulla, pones, cerebellum, and reticular formation

400

Describe the anatomy of a neuron 

The anatomy of a neuron consist of a nucleus, soma, dendrites, axon, axon terminals, myelin sheath, and synapses

400

 Compare and distinguish between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system 


Both subsystems are apart of the autonomic nervous system 

The sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response) is a division of the autonomic nervous system that becomes active in response to perceived threats or stressors. 

The parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) supports routine activity that maintains the body’s store of energy.


500

 Summarise the mind-versus-body problem

It asks whether the mind and body are two separate entities that interact with each other or whether the mind is just an aspect of the physical brain.

500

Explain how one neuroimaging technique (EEG, PET, FMRI, MRI) can be used to enhance the understanding of brain–behaviour relationships



Teachers discretion in response to students answer

500

Describe the function of the forebrain (double points if you can name all structures within the forebrain)

The forebrain plays a central role in the processing and comprehension of information related to complex cognitive activities. 

The forebrain comprises the cerebrum, thalamus, hypothalamus and hippocampus

500

Distinguish between motor, sensory and interneurons

Sensory neurons are essential for collecting and transmitting information about the external environment to the central nervous system. 

The primary function of motor neurons is to transmit signals from the central nervous system to the effectors

Interneurons serve as pivotal intermediaries within the central nervous system, facilitating communication between sensory and motor neurons

500

Which system aspect of your nervous system(s) would be heightened/activated in response to a bear attack?

Both sympathetic (e.g., heart rate increase) and somatic nervous system (running away)