Exam (elaborations) PYC1501 7 June 2023 - Basic Psychology A Student's A-Z of Psychology
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Course
PYC1501 - Basic Psychology
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Book
A student\'s A-Z of psychology
This document contains notes and quizzes that will assist you in studying for your PYC1501 Exam written on the 7th of June 2023. There are quizzes from 2017 to 2023 that will help you practice for your exam and notes that explain some of the complicated concepts.
All the quiz sensation and perception- from 2017 to 2023
Goodluck on your studying! -
The brain
"The brain is an extremely complex organ. It is estimated that there are 10 billion neurons in the
brain and that any one of them may have thousands of connections with other neurons in the
brain."
This sentence highlights the complexity of the brain. The brain consists of billions of neurons,
which are specialized cells responsible for transmitting information. Each neuron can form
connections, called synapses, with thousands of other neurons, creating a vast network for
communication and information processing in the brain.
"The space between the skull and the brain is filled with fluid called cerebrospinal fluid, which is
produced by the brain and surrounds it."
This sentence describes the presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the space between the brain
and the skull. CSF is a clear and watery fluid that acts as a cushion, protecting the brain from being
jostled or injured by absorbing shock. It is produced by specialized cells within the brain called
choroid plexus and circulates around the brain and spinal cord.
"The brain is also protected by the blood‑brain barrier that keeps out certain harmful substances."
Here, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is introduced as a protective mechanism for the brain. The BBB
is a highly selective barrier formed by specialized cells lining the blood vessels in the brain. It
restricts the passage of certain substances, such as toxins or pathogens, from the bloodstream into
the brain tissue, thus protecting the brain from potential harm.
"The brain is richly supplied with blood vessels that carry important substances such as oxygen and
glucose to the brain and transport waste products like carbon dioxide from the brain cells."
This sentence highlights the importance of the blood supply to the brain. The brain has a rich
network of blood vessels that deliver vital substances, including oxygen and glucose, which are
essential for the brain's energy and metabolic needs. Additionally, these blood vessels help
remove waste products, such as carbon dioxide, produced by brain cells during their normal
functioning.
1
,"In the brain, the passage of drugs is much more difficult than elsewhere in the body because the
tiny blood vessels, called capillaries, are impermeable to many substances. This creates the
blood‑brain barrier."
This sentence explains why drug delivery to the brain is challenging. The brain's capillaries, which
are tiny blood vessels, have unique properties that make them highly selective and restrict the
passage of many substances, including drugs. This selective permeability of brain capillaries
creates the blood-brain barrier, which prevents the free entry of drugs into the brain tissue.
Overcoming this barrier is a significant obstacle in developing effective treatments for brain
disorders.
Quiz
What is the estimated number of neurons in the brain?
a) 1 billion
b) 10 billion
c) 100 billion
What is the function of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?
a) Carrying nutrients to the brain
b) Protecting the brain from injuries
c) Transmitting electrical signals in the brain
What is the role of the blood-brain barrier?
a) Ensuring a steady supply of oxygen to the brain
b) Facilitating the communication between neurons
c) Protecting the brain from harmful substances
What do the blood vessels in the brain transport?
a) Carbon dioxide from the brain cells
b) Waste products to the brain
c) Glucose and oxygen to the brain
Why is the passage of drugs more difficult in the brain compared to the rest of the body?
a) The brain has a higher number of blood vessels
b) The brain has a lower production of cerebrospinal fluid
c) The brain's capillaries are impermeable to many substances, creating the blood-brain barrier
"The cerebral cortex has bumps and grooves, giving it an appearance like a pecan nut."
The cerebral cortex, the outer layer of the brain, has a textured surface with bumps and grooves.
These bumps and grooves, also known as fissures, create a resemblance to the shape of a pecan
nut.
2
, ➢ "The cerebral cortex is composed of tissue made up mostly of cell bodies that have a grey
colour, and this is why it is called grey matter."
➢ "The brain consists of two halves, called cerebral hemispheres (‘half rounds’)."
➢ "The two hemispheres are connected by a thick band of fibers called the corpus callosum,
which allows the right and left cerebral hemispheres to communicate with each other."
➢ "The left side of the brain controls mainly the right side of the body, and likewise, the right
side of the brain controls mainly the left side of the body. This is called contralateral control."
➢ "Some parts of the body are controlled by the same side of the brain, which is called
ipsilateral control."
"For example, when an elderly person has a stroke or brain infarct in the left hemisphere of the
brain, the result is often a loss of sensation and motor control in the right arm and leg."
Quiz
What gives the cerebral cortex its pecan nut-like appearance?
a) Fissures
b) Cell bodies
c) Grey matter
What is the primary composition of the cerebral cortex?
a) Neuronal axons
b) Grey matter
c) White matter
What connects the two cerebral hemispheres?
a) Corpus callosum
b) Cerebrospinal fluid
c) Cerebral fissure
What is the function of the corpus callosum?
a) Regulating blood flow in the brain
b) Controlling emotions and memory
c) Enabling communication between cerebral hemispheres
What is contralateral control in the brain?
a) Same side of the brain controlling the same side of the body
b) Opposite side of the brain controlling the opposite side of the body
c) Opposite side of the brain controlling the same side of the body
3
, Which side of the brain controls mainly the left side of the body?
a) Left hemisphere
b) Right hemisphere
c) Both hemispheres equally
What is the term for same-side control of certain body parts in the brain?
a) Contralateral control
b) Ipsilateral control
c) Bilateral control
In the event of a stroke in the left hemisphere, which side of the body may be affected?
a) Left side
b) Right side
c) Both sides equally
What is the main function of the grey matter in the cerebral cortex?
a) Processing sensory information
b) Transmitting electrical signals
c) Regulating blood flow
What is the role of fissures in the cerebral cortex?
a) Connecting neurons across hemispheres
b) Providing structural support to the brain
c) Creating surface bumps and grooves
➢ "There is also evidence that the two halves or hemispheres of the brain are specialized for
different types of function."
➢ The left hemisphere of the brain is primarily responsible for logical thinking, analytical
processing, and breaking down information into parts. It is associated with tasks that involve
reasoning, language, and sequential processing.
➢ In contrast, the right hemisphere of the brain processes information in a holistic manner,
taking into account the overall picture rather than focusing on individual parts. It can process
multiple elements simultaneously, allowing for a broader understanding of spatial
relationships and non-verbal information.
➢ The right hemisphere is generally associated with creativity, imagination, and artistic
expression. It excels in tasks involving spatial perception, recognizing patterns, and
interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions or body language.
➢ "The fact is that most people use both hemispheres of the brain at all times."
➢ In reality, the majority of individuals utilize both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously
and in conjunction with each other for most tasks and behaviors.
4
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