Physiology of the Brain Flashcards

Damage to the prefrontal cortex most characteristically produces which problem?

Answer: Impaired executive function and personality change

The prefrontal cortex governs planning, judgment and behavior regulation, so injury causes executive and personality changes.

Injury to Broca's area typically results in which deficit?

Answer: Expressive aphasia with halting speech and intact comprehension

Broca's area in the left inferior frontal lobe controls speech production, and damage causes non-fluent expressive aphasia.

Which structure is most critical for forming new declarative memories?

Answer: Hippocampus

The hippocampus in the medial temporal lobe consolidates new memories, and it is vulnerable to TBI.

The primary visual cortex is located in which lobe?

Answer: Occipital

The occipital lobe at the back of the brain processes visual information.

Which brain region is primarily responsible for coordination of movement and balance?

Answer: Cerebellum

The cerebellum coordinates smooth voluntary movement, posture and balance, and damage causes ataxia.

The reticular activating system, essential for arousal and wakefulness, is located in the:

Answer: Brainstem

The reticular activating system runs through the brainstem and maintains consciousness.

The amygdala is chiefly involved in which function?

Answer: Processing of emotion, especially fear

The amygdala in the temporal lobe processes emotions such as fear and aggression, and injury can alter emotional regulation.