Brain and neuropsychology
What's covered
Key facts
Dendrites are branched structures that receive impulses from other neurons.
Cognitive neuroscience studies how the structure and function of the brain relate to behaviour and cognition.
The brain stem controls vital automatic functions such as breathing and heart rate.
The autonomic nervous system coordinates general physiological functioning using information from internal organs, working automatically.
A cell assembly is a group of neurons that fire together and become a learned neural pathway.
A CT (CAT) scan combines many X-ray "slices" into a detailed image, and is good at detecting tumours and blood clots.
The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movement, balance and muscle coordination.
The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord.
Hebb's theory is summarised as "neurons that fire together, wire together".
An fMRI scan uses strong magnetic fields to detect blood-flow changes in active brain areas, without using X-rays or radioactive substances.
Sample questions
A taste of the 57 questions in this topic, answers marked. Sign up to practise the full set with spaced repetition.
Which type of neuron carries information from the sense organs to the central nervous system?
- •Motor neuron
- •Receptor neuron
- •Relay neuron
- ✓Sensory neuron
Which brain scan uses strong magnetic fields rather than radiation?
- •CT (CAT) scan
- ✓fMRI scan
- •PET scan
- •X-ray photograph
Which part of the brain coordinates voluntary movement, balance and muscle coordination?
- •The brain stem
- ✓The cerebellum
- •The occipital lobe
- •The thalamus
What is the main role of the central nervous system?
- •It automatically controls the functioning of the internal organs.
- •It collects information from and sends it to different parts of the body.
- ✓It coordinates incoming information and makes decisions about movement and other activities.
- •It releases hormones such as adrenaline directly into the bloodstream.
What is the function of a motor neuron?
- •Carries signals from sense organs to the CNS for processing
- ✓Carries signals from the CNS to muscles to cause movement
- •Connects sensory and motor neurons together within the CNS
- •Insulates the axon so the impulse travels much faster
What does cognitive neuroscience study?
- ✓How brain structure and function relate to behaviour and cognition
- •How early childhood experiences shape adult personality
- •How hormones in the bloodstream regulate physical growth
- •How social groups influence individual conformity and obedience
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