3.3: The Brain and Spinal Cord Flashcards
amygdala
structure in the limbic system involved in our experience of emotion and tying emotional meaning to our memories.
association cortex
all areas of the cerebral cortex that are not primarily sensory or motor in function.
auditory cortex
strip of cortex in the temporal lobe that is responsible for processing auditory information.
Broca’s area
a language area related to grammar and pronunciation.
cerebellum
hindbrain structure that controls our balance, coordination, movement, and motor skills, and it is thought to be important in processing some types of memory.
cerebral cortex
surface of the brain that is associated with our highest mental capabilities.
corpus callosum
thick band of neural fibers connecting the brain’s two hemispheres
forebrain
largest part of the brain, containing the cerebral cortex, the thalamus, and the limbic system, among other structures.
frontal lobe
part of the cerebral cortex involved in reasoning, motor control, emotion, and language; contains motor cortex.
functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
MRI that shows changes in metabolic activity over time.
gyrus
(plural: gyri) bump or ridge on the cerebral cortex.
hemisphere
left or right half of the brain.
hindbrain
division of the brain containing the medulla, pons, and cerebellum.
hippocampus
structure in the temporal lobe associated with learning and memory.
hypothalamus
forebrain structure that regulates sexual motivation and behavior and a number of homeostatic processes; serves as an interface between the nervous system and the endocrine system.
lateralization
concept that each hemisphere of the brain is associated with specialized functions.
limbic system
collection of structures involved in processing emotion and memory.
longitudinal fissure
deep groove in the brain’s cortex.
medulla
hindbrain structure that controls automated processes like breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate.
midbrain
division of the brain located between the forebrain and the hindbrain; contains the reticular formation.
motor cortex
strip of cortex involved in planning and coordinating movement.
occipital lobe
part of the cerebral cortex associated with visual processing; contains the primary visual cortex.
parietal lobe
part of the cerebral cortex involved in processing various sensory and perceptual information; contains the primary somatosensory cortex.
pons
hindbrain structure that connects the brain and spinal cord; involved in regulating brain activity during sleep.
prefrontal cortex
the very front of the frontal lobes; involved in sense of self, reasoning, and planning.
primary auditory area
part of the temporal lobe in which auditory information is first registered.
primary motor cortex
a brain area associated with control of movement.
primary visual area
the part of the occipital lobe that first receives input from the eyes.
reticular formation
midbrain structure important in regulating the sleep/wake cycle, arousal, alertness, and motor activity.
somatosensory cortex
essential for processing sensory information from across the body, such as touch, temperature, and pain.
substantia nigra
midbrain structure where dopamine is produced; involved in control of movement.
sulcus
(plural: sulci) depressions or grooves in the cerebral cortex.
temporal lobe
part of cerebral cortex associated with hearing, memory, emotion, and some aspects of language; contains primary auditory cortex.
thalamus
sensory relay for the brain.
ventral tegmental area (VTA)
midbrain structure where dopamine is produced: associated with mood, reward, and addiction.
Wernicke’s area
a temporal lobe brain area related to language comprehension.
