Function Exam questions and answers
What is neuropsychology?
The study of behaviors with reference to their neurobiological bases, drawing from fields like anatomy,
biology, and pharmacology.
What are the two main branches of neuropsychology?
Cognitive neuropsychology, which focuses on the biological bases of cognition and emotions, and clinical
neuropsychology, which deals with the behavioral expression of brain dysfunction.
What is involved in a neuropsychological assessment?
It includes psychometric tests, medical history, clinical interviews, and psychosocial history to determine
which brain regions are impaired.
What does the CNS stand for and what is its primary function?
CNS stands for Central Nervous System, which monitors and controls basic life support systems,
behaviors, and cognitive functions.
How much energy does the brain use compared to other organs?
The brain uses up to 20 percent of the body's total energy, with 2/3 for neuronal firing and 1/3 for cell
health maintenance.
What are the two types of brain matter?
Grey matter, which includes cell bodies and nuclei of neurons, and white matter, which consists of axon
tracts and commissures.
What are the four areas of the cerebral cortex?
The frontal lobe, occipital lobe, temporal lobe, and parietal lobe.
What functions are associated with the frontal lobe?
Executive functions such as planning, emotion regulation, judgments, decision making, and production
of speech.
What is the significance of Phineas Gage's case?
His accident led to changes in personality and behavior, illustrating the role of the frontal lobe in self-
regulation.
What is the primary function of the parietal lobe?
Processing sensory information and understanding spatial orientation and direction.