Exam 9: The Central Nervous System

What function(s)is/are associated with the basal ganglia? Huntington's disease affects the cerebral basal ganglia, causing neural degeneration, and resulting in abnormal muscle movements and cognitive decline.What may cause the cognitive decline? Effective treatment for Huntington's has been elusive, but recently it was shown that a cause of neuron degeneration may be calcium overload.What potential type of treatment does this suggest?

The brain region that is identifiable by its folds and grooves is the

In 1848, a railroad foreman named Phineas Gage was injured in an explosion, when a tamping iron penetrated his skull and caused brain damage; surprisingly, he survived.The rod was 1.25" in diameter and 3.5' long.After the accident he was able to speak, get himself up and down from a cart, and climb a flight of stairs to see the local physicians.Years later, the doctors reported that he physically recovered, but the balance between his intellectual facilities and animal propensities was destroyed.He was no longer mild-mannered, kind, and respectful; he grew obstinate, ill-tempered, and showed little self-restraint.Based on this story, what area(s)of the brain (and/or systems)do you think he injured and why?

Language and verbal skills tend to be ________ side of the brain of right-handed people.

General anesthetics keep surgical patients unconscious by reducing activity in the

Symptoms of the fight-or-flight reaction include all of these EXCEPT

Match these functions with the correct brain area. -relay station for transfer of information between the cerebrum and cerebellum; coordinates breathing control with other areas