Overview
- Concise review of neuropsychology terms and brain structures from a study set.
- Focuses on functions, neurotransmitters, nervous system divisions, brain imaging, and common concepts.
Brain Structures and Functions
- Frontal Lobe: reasoning, planning, speech, movement, emotions, problem solving.
- Parietal Lobe: sensory cortex; processes touch and spatial information.
- Temporal Lobe: hearing and comprehension of auditory commands.
- Occipital Lobe: primary visual processing.
- Cerebellum: voluntary movement coordination and balance.
- Medulla: controls breathing; part of the brainstem.
- Thalamus: relay station at top of brainstem; routes all senses except smell to cortex.
- Hypothalamus: regulates circadian rhythm, homeostasis, appetite, thirst, emotions, autonomic functions, and motor movement.
- Amygdala: mediates fear response.
- Hippocampus: (listed in set)—involved in memory formation and consolidation.
- Corpus Callosum: fiber bundle connecting left and right hemispheres; can be severed to reduce seizures.
- Brain Lesion / Lesion: tissue destruction (natural or experimental) used to study behavior after damage.
- Pituitary Gland: releases growth hormone, especially during sleep; key endocrine gland.
Neuron Structure and Signaling
- Neuron: transmits information via electrical and chemical signals.
- Dendrites: receive incoming messages.
- Axon: transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body.
- Myelin Sheath: covers some axons, speeding neural impulses; degeneration causes multiple sclerosis.
- Synaptic Gap (Synapse): space between axon terminal and dendrite; neurotransmission crosses this gap.
- Threshold / All-or-None Response: neuron either fires fully or does not fire.
- Interneurons: neurons within brain and spinal cord that mediate between sensory inputs and motor outputs.
- Sensory Neuron: detects stimuli and converts them into electrical signals (note: thalamus exception for smell).
Nervous System Divisions
- Central Nervous System (CNS): brain and spinal cord (implied).
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): sensory and motor neurons connecting CNS to the body.
- Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): part of PNS controlling involuntary activity of glands and internal organs.
- Sympathetic / Parasympathetic: branches of ANS; sympathetic mediates "fight or flight."
Neurotransmitters and Hormones
- Acetylcholine (ACh): enables learning and memory; triggers muscle contraction.
- Endorphins: natural neurotransmitters that boost mood and reduce pain.
- Epinephrine / Norepinephrine (Adrenal Glands): act as hormones and neurotransmitters for arousal.
- Reuptake: process where presynaptic membrane reabsorbs neurotransmitters from synaptic cleft.
- Opiate Drug Effect: addictive; releases pleasurable chemicals and creates craving for more.
Brain Imaging and Research Methods
- CAT Scan (CT): multiple X-ray images combined to view brain structure.
- PET Scan: tracks brain activity using a temporarily radioactive glucose tracer.
- Brain Lesion Studies: experimentally destroy tissue to observe behavioral effects.
Psychological and Historical Concepts
- Phrenology: outdated idea that skull bumps determine personality traits; historically influential but invalid.
Key Terms and Definitions
- All-or-None Response: neuron fires fully or not at all.
- Synaptic Gap: space between axon terminal and dendrite where neurotransmitters act.
- Interneurons: internal communication neurons in CNS.
- Reuptake: neurotransmitter reabsorption by presynaptic neuron.
- Lesion: destruction of brain tissue, natural or experimental.
Summary Table
| Term | Location / System | Primary Function / Note | | Frontal Lobe | Cerebral cortex | Reasoning, planning, speech, movement, emotion | | Parietal Lobe | Cerebral cortex | Sensory processing, touch | | Temporal Lobe | Cerebral cortex | Hearing and auditory comprehension | | Occipital Lobe | Cerebral cortex | Visual processing | | Cerebellum | Hindbrain | Coordination and balance | | Medulla | Brainstem | Breathing and basic life functions | | Thalamus | Top of brainstem | Sensory relay (except smell) | | Hypothalamus | Diencephalon | Homeostasis, circadian rhythm, drives, autonomic control | | Amygdala | Limbic system | Fear and emotion processing | | Hippocampus | Limbic system | Memory formation | | Corpus Callosum | Between hemispheres | Connects left and right brains | | Pituitary Gland | Endocrine system | Secretes growth hormone; regulates other glands | | Myelin Sheath | Neuron axons | Speeds neural impulse conduction | | Synaptic Gap | Synapse | Space for neurotransmission | | Acetylcholine (ACh) | Neurotransmitter | Learning, memory, muscle activation | | Endorphins | Neurotransmitter | Natural painkillers, mood boosters | | Reuptake | Synapse process | Neurotransmitter reabsorption | | PET Scan | Imaging technique | Tracks metabolic activity via radioactive glucose | | CAT Scan (CT) | Imaging technique | Structural X-ray imaging of the brain | | Phrenology | Historical theory | Skull bumps linked to personality (invalid) |
Action Items / Study Tips
- Memorize primary functions for each major brain region and lobe.
- Understand neuron signaling steps: dendrite → soma → axon → synapse → receptor.
- Learn major neurotransmitters and their behavioral effects.
- Compare imaging methods: structural (CT) vs functional/metabolic (PET).
- Review autonomic divisions and examples of sympathetic vs parasympathetic responses.