Essays on Cortex

Post-stroke dysphagia, a potentially fatal complication, affects an estimated 23-50% of all stroke survivors. It is associated with a seven fold increase in the risk for aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia increases the catabolic demands of the body and in the settings of impaired swallowing leads to a vicious cycle of malnutrition, dehydration, and further infections (Shaker & Geenen, 2011). Dysphagia affects a significant number of patients with hemispheric stroke which is the main subtype of ischemic stroke in the general population (Kumar et al., 2011). The functions of swallowing are subserved by a vast brain network. The inferior peri-rolandic sensorimotor ...

The concept of "social brain" is one of the challenging and advanced concepts of the modern neuropsychology. In addition, the "social brain", as a concept, forms a completely new approach to the study of social psychology and brain pathologies. Research and development of this concept contributes to the discovery of the social and psychological development of a person. The thematic justification of this study is important because it allows tracing the relationship between the social cognition and social behavior of a person, which is basic in the context of psychology, sociology, and neuropsychology. The development and use of the " ...

Associations are diverse between tasks. For instance, an individual can be impaired on one task as well as on the other tasks. This aids in the supposition that it is necessary for cognitive processes to carry out the two tasks. The most important type of association is the double association. In this type, the individual may create an association in the area where they are impaired on one task but functions normally on the other. On the other hand, another individual conducts one task normally yet has impaired function on the other task. Generally, therapists and neuroscientists have recognized ...

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Embodied cognition incorporates that the human cognition is comprised and shaped by various aspects of the body, which eventually indicates that it exceeds from the dependency on brain. In this manner, cognition is observed to be dependent on the experiences that an individual receives from numerous sensorimotor capabilities of the body. These capabilities are considered to be highly integrated in accordance with the psychological, biological and cultural setting of an individual (Wilson & Foglia 2011). Embodied cognition also accounts for the feedback mechanism that takes place between an individual and the world and hence, the prevalence of action ...

The brain is the most important organ in the human body since it is the one responsible for the interpretation of senses, intelligence, controlling behavior and movement. However, most of the neuroscientists have been unable to conclusively determining the relationship between the various parts of the brain and the outward behavior. For instance, many neurosurgeons have used studies on the preferred hand in the prediction of the dominant part of the cerebral hemisphere. According to Weiten and McCann (2013), cerebral hemispheres are identical in appearance. However, they differ significantly in terms of the structure and functions. The brain lateralization ...

The study of endocrinology looks into ordinary and abnormal hormonal behavior. The endocrine system includes internal organs that secretes hormones. That is to say, endocrine glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream. These endocrine glands are essential organs of the human body that imperative to maintain various human functions, not to mention, life itself. Hormonal glands that make up the endocrine system influence many relevant factors such as pregnancy, capability to breast feed, and also the process of a child developing normally. The endocrine system aids in the regulation of a human’s basic bodily functions. Given that, these functions ...

There are many ways of understanding the reasons for one’s motivations. Throughout the centuries, philosophers have attempted to explain this through different ways. Even though through reflection one can attempt to reach some degree of freedom by using one’s pre-frontal cortex, these internal impulses are still there. Two of the most important of these theories are the will and Sigmund Freud’s drives. I have seen the importance of self-regulation throughout my life, and how important rationality may be in stopping the influence of that which one takes for granted as motivation.

Key Points in Bandura's Article

Albert Bandura was one of ...

Vestibular Projections

Vestibular projections in the central nervous system consist of vestibular end organs which communicate with the brain stem and the cerebellum via the vestibular branch of the eighth cranial nerve. These nerves are also connected to the auditory fibers. Thus damage caused to these structures can cause both vestibular and auditory disturbances. The vital function of the vestibular system is to coordinate head and eye movements. The ability of the eye to stay focused on an object even while the head is moving is brought about by the vestibular system.

Vestibular Cochlear Nerve

The vestibulo cochlear nerve or the auditory nerve is ...

(Author Name) (Course Name/Number) The human brain is simply fascinating, and although it is at the very core of all human reasoning, intellect, and ability, it is still largely unexplored and misunderstood. The physical and social sciences have collaboratively conducted hundreds, if not thousands, of studies aimed at understanding the connection between the brain and human behavior, but even more interesting are the physiological processes that are intertwined to create a roadmap of human behavior, response, and consciousness that drives our very existence. These physiological processes are comprised of nervous systems functions, sensory system functions, and brain functions, which ...

Introduction

Self-control has been identified has the single, most basic differentiating characteristic that separates human beings from the animal species. In psychological circles as well as in past research on the subject, the term has been used interchangeably with self-regulation and behavioral regulation . Before examining the details of how and why this aspect of human behavior is crucial in ensuring that people are able to lead normal lives, it is important to understand the boundaries of the concept in itself. In the simplest of terms, self-regulated behavior is an individual’s ability to suppress their immediate impulses instead of acting ...

Speech Disorders

Formation of speech is one of the basic characteristics of the general development of the child. Speech for the child is the most important means of communication with the outside world, interacting with others, as well as information for the development of cognitive activity and thinking. Therefore, the development of speech is closely connected with the formation of all other mental abilities. Signs of the backlog in the development of speech is a reason for immediate treatment and a visit to the doctor (pediatrician, child neurologist, otolaryngologist, a child psychiatrist, a speech therapist, psychologist). This is especially important, because ...

Creative cognition involves the analysis and comprehension of the processes and mental representations within creative thought. Creativity refers to the ability to create original, useful and appropriate work. Creative thinking, however, never follows the same pattern. Psychologists have presented data to the effect that discoveries, inventions, and original ideas originate from insight, others, however, are of the view that discoveries originate from the cumulative application of expertise or prior knowledge (Smith et al., 1997). The two schools of thought have led to a contention among psychologists on whether creativity involves prior knowledge and expertise or simply, insight. The dominant ...

Introduction

The present document presents case analysis of Melissa Hershey is analyzed. The mentioned conditions in the case depict the psychological condition of Melissa. It can be observed that the Melissa is undergoing stress, lack of concentration in her education and aggressive behavior. Moreover, she is going through trauma due to the death of her father that reoccurs depression and anxiety. However, Melissa is social and likes going out with her friends, but the past events in the family have greatly affected her patterns of interactivity, behaviors, responses and learning capabilities (Morriss, 2015). The information shared by her mother, teacher ...

Abstract

The phenomenon of apparent motion occurs when two stimuli are separated by a flash or a blank in which the brain creates the effect of movement. It can be compared to the effects of moving pictures, for example, in which a series of still photographs are put together in such a way that the image appears to be moving. The purpose of this research is to assess the phenomenon of apparent motion in terms of the interstimulus interval, the gap between two stimuli that most accurately conveys movement to the perceiver. The study used five different dot spacings, and ...

The grouping of conditions, persons, or activities that the society may find to be against their virtues, finds to be offending them and later condemns them with the strongest terms in the same society. The fact that some acts may be found to be positive and negative to a group of people in the society and unacceptable to others. In respect to the topic deviance maybe considered to be going against the societal values and agreements (Henry 6).

Example of Deviance

Child Kidnapping Kinsley is a child from a village in New York. The boy was living with the parents in the ...

Introduction

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inheritable and neurodegenerative disease. It is characterized by progressive psychiatric, cognitive, and motor symptoms. It is significant to familiarize with the phenotypes since patients can present with one or more symptoms of the disease. Loss of balance and chorea are the first symptoms recognized by the patients. However, the families always notice personality or cognitive changes before first symptoms. The disease is most common in races from northern Europe. This paper is set to discuss the etiology and risk factors, pathophysiological processes, clinical manifestations, complications, as well as diagnosis of Huntington’s disease.

Etiology and Risk Factors

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The left and right hemisphere of the brain, are connected by the corpus collusum and commissures. This anatomical structure is important for the sharing of information between the two regions of the brain. Each hemisphere of the brain, specializes in certain specific functions. Language, logical thinking and calculations is under the regulation of the left hemisphere. The right hemisphere of the brain, specializes in face recognition, spatial reasoning and music. In some individuals, the function of the left hemisphere dominates over the right hemisphere. While in others, the right hemisphere dominates the left hemisphere. The left and right lateralization ...

A. The human cerebral cortex is divided into three main areas: sensory, motor and associated areas (Association Cortex, 2016). Sensory areas belong to the peripheral nervous system. They extend from the spinal cord to the receptor cells located in all parts of the body. The primary function of sensory area to carry impulses from the receptor cells to the brain for interpretation. These impulses can be those of sensations like touch, pain, smell, taste and sight. The motor area or the primary motor cortex is located in the interior part of the brain at the central sulcus. Its pyramidal ...

For hundreds of years, people have known that nature has profound and positive effects on human lives (Suttie 1). Over the years, various writers have documented the benefits of spending some time in nature (Suttie 1). These writers most probably based their claims on own experiences or those of others. Until recently, there has been no scientific evidence to support the above claims. This essay focuses on a variety of health benefits that we experience when we take time to interact with Mother Nature. It also explores the growing research evidence that supports the argument that natural settings improve ...

Secrets of the Mind by V.S. Ramachandran Secrets of the Mind with V.S. Ramachandran The secret functions carried out by our brain first came into the attention of Dr. Ramachandran while examining the case of an amputee, Derek Steen, who lost his right arm above the elbow in a car accident. His condition garnered a curiosity in Ramachandran when he (Derek) reported that he had felt tingling and stroking sensations in his right arm (that was removed surgically) while shaving the left side of his face. This opened an opportunity for Dr. Ramachandran to study phantom limbs in detail. ...

The development and functioning of the brain is greatly reliant on specific dietary components. As an example, glucose is the primary nutrient component that provides energy for the brain. For this reason, carbohydrate intake is crucial for the functioning of the brain. Gu et al. (2015) article “Mediterranean Diet and Brain Structure in a Multiethnic Elderly Cohort” offers a glimpse on the implications of Mediterranean diet on the development and functioning of the brain. The article is based on a scientific research carried out in 674 elderly respondents. Gu et al. (2015) study sought to establish whether increased cortical ...

The development and functioning of the brain are greatly reliant on specific dietary components. As an example, glucose is the primary nutrient component that provides energy for the brain. For this reason, carbohydrate intake is crucial for the functioning of the brain. Gu et al. (2015) article “Mediterranean Diet and Brain Structure in a Multiethnic Elderly Cohort” offers a glimpse on the implications of the Mediterranean diet on the development and functioning of the brain. The article is based on a scientific research carried out in 674 elderly respondents. Gu et al. (2015) study sought to establish whether increased ...

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According to Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, around 45 million children in the United States play in an organized sport. This could have been a good figure; however, by the time these children reach 15 years old, 80 percent of them quit (Atkinson). There are many possible reasons why these children decide to stop participating in sports. One of these is the wrong perspective that parents hold about sports. For instance, there are parents who believe that winning is the main goal of sports (Atkinson). When their children do not succeed, they will either tell them ...

The nervous system (NS) denotes a collection of human body organs as well as connections, which have expressly differentiated cells referred as neurons or other specialized biochemicals, tissues, and supportive cells that assist in the normal working of the human body NS (Swanson, 2015). The human nervous system helps in addressing acquisition, processing, understanding, storing, as well as coordinating or transmitting signals in the body. Therefore, many body organs, as well as sensory organs, possess discrete and different roles. The nervous system (NS) can be categorized into two, that is, peripheral nervous system (PNS) as well as central nervous ...

INTRODUTION

Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) is an enzyme that plays a significant role in the metabolism of dopamine (DA) and amounts to approximately 60% or more of DA breakdown in the frontal cortex . The gene expressing the COMT enzyme could affect cognition and functioning of the brain via its action on dopaminergic function. A polymorphic variation occurs in the coding area of the COMT gene (a Guanine to Adenine replacement), changing the amino acid from valine (Val) to methionine (Met) at the codon position 158 (Val158Met) and consequently influencing the thermal tolerance and stability of the enzyme. Allelic discrepancies in enzyme ...

With the evolvement of the society, increase of our Planet’s population and accessibility of gained information the number of times the news about occurred serial killings escalates. It is logical to assume that the general number of active serial killers increases with time at least due to the statistical approach to the question. Based on the conducted research this work will explain what makes a serial killer kill on the example of a fictional character form a popular TV show Dexter Morgan. In order to understand the serial killer’s actions the paper will examine all of the ...

In this experiment, the independent variable was the social explicit exclusion (which arises as a result of actions of other people) and social implicit exclusion (which arises as a result of an individual`s inability to participate in a common activity with other people). Activity in anterior cingulate cortex (which is associated with the experience of pain distress) and activity in the right ventral prefrontal cortex (which helps to decrease distress) were two dependent variables. ACC is a neural “conflict monitor” which becomes active when something is wrong with an individual when an automatic response is in conflict with ...

While most people are familiar with a number of leading theorists in psychoanalysis, particularly Sigmund Freud, and possibly Adler and Jung, most people would not be familiar with Karen Horney, considered to be the “fist psychoanalytic feminist” (Hergenhahn & Henley 525). Horney disagreed with several concepts introduced by Freud, especially his focus on unconscious sexual motivation and the division of the self into 3 parts: id, ego, and superego. She believed that social experiences had a greater influence on the creation of self. During the Depression, she found that her clients’ problems were caused by unemployment and the inability to ...

Summary: In the article titled, “Abnormal Cortex Plasticity in Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy”, the authors investigate the role of defective motor plasticity in the pathogenesis of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (Strigaro et al.). Prior to this study, JME was linked to motor cortex hyper-excitability and to the abnormal function of thalamic networks. This study, identifies a new mechanism that can cause JME, a common form of generalized epilepsy seen in children. The motor cortex plasticity was studied using an interesting technique called the Paired Associated Stimulation (PAS). The details of this technique are discussed in the methodology section. The role of ...

Psychology Summaries

Solomon, Caren G., Murray B. Stein, and Jitender Sareen. "Generalized Anxiety Disorder." The New England journal of medicine 373.21 (2015): 2059-68. ProQuest. 7 Apr. 2016 .Retrieved fromhttp://search.proquest.com.contentproxy.phoenix.edu/docview/1735349848?pq-origsite=summon Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a condition that creates excessive worry and concern in a debilitating manner for those afflicted with the condition. “According to representative epidemiologic surveys, the estimated prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder in the general population of the United States is 3.1% in the previous year and 5.7% over a patient’s lifetime; the prevalence is approximately twice as high among women as among men” (Solomon, Stein, and ...

Summary: The study titled: “The Role of Prefrontal Inhibition in Regulating Fascial Expression of Pain.”, examines the role of pre frontal cortex in the control of fascial expression of pain (Karmann et al.). Expression of pain is determined by a certain factor in the environment (like the availability of caregiver) and also on factors that exist within an individual. Expressing pain is a form of communicating once feelings to others. Understanding expressions may help in assessing the pain in a patient (Craig). Presently, assessment of pain in an individual, is done based on the verbalization of pain by the ...

Summary

Over the past few years, there has been a growing interest among neurosurgeons on the potential for therapies that impact on diseases, over and above the movement disorders and pain. One of the biggest targets of this increasing interest has been the nucleus accumbens. It has been studied for long, as an area of the brain that mediates a variety of behaviors, including reward and satisfaction (Salgado & Kaplitt, 2015). With this in mind, the modulation of the biology of the Nucleus Accumbens through either deep brain stimulation or through biological therapies like gene therapy or the transplantation of cells ...

Brief summary

Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is considered to be a health problem because of the millions of people who are using it worldwide. The article states that excessive cocaine use will cause changes in the prefrontal Cortes (PFC) (Terraneo, p.37). The reason for this is because PFC plays a significant role in the addictive cycle such as the inhibitory control, reinforcement learning as well as cravings. Many types of research that have been conducted show that the loss of inhibitory control is brought on by drug behaviors. The article looks at the animal studies that have been carried out in ...

Summary: The interaction between the limbic system and the subcortical dopaminergic system, is important in the experience of reward by the individual. The hypothesis in the present study is that, increased excitability of the medial prefrontal cortex, exerts a suppressive effect on the interaction between subcortical dopaminergic system and the limbic striatum structures (Ferenczi et al.). Lack of a reward seeking behavior is seen in patients with depression and MRI studies in these subjects have identified increased excitability of the medial prefrontal cortex. This finding was suggested as a rationale for the study. The experiments were designed to demonstrate ...

Summary of the article

This article is about a study that was conducted to check the abnormal short latency synaptic plasticity in the motor cortex of subjects with Becker muscle dystrophy (BMD). Before the research could take place, the author indicates that the assessment of the cortical function especially with patients with BMD has brought about contradicting results. The researchers used the repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) so as to explore the excitability of the motor cortex. Therefore, the participants of the study were thirteen patients suffering from Becker Muscle dystrophy. Out of the thirteen patients, six of them are stated to have ...

Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field. In this area of study, scientists research on the comprehensive structure and function of the brain. There are various interests that scientists can take within the science. They range from the molecular fabric of the neuron together with its biochemical processes to the macroscopic structure of the brain. The study further entails the brain’s relation to cognitions, emotions and behavior. These three factors work hand in hand towards a common objective. The goal is to provide answers to our most pressing individual and societal issues. Currently, neuroscience is the fastest growing field in ...