CH 4 The Brain (TERMS) Flashcards
Forebrain/Cerebrum (1,3)
Top part of the brain that allows advanced intellectual abilities
- Most recently developed part of brain
- Crowning achievement of human evolution
- Includes sub-cortical structures as well as the cerebrum
Sub-cortical structures (1,1)
- Forebrain
Parts of the brain that lie beneath the cerebral cortex
Frontal Lobe (1,1)
- Cortex
Performs executive functions that coordinate other brain areas, motor planning, language, and decision making
Partiel Lobe (1,1)
- Cortex
Processes touch information, integrates senses
Temporal Lobe (1,1)
- Cortex
Processes auditory information, language, and long-term memory
Occipital Lobe (1,1)
- Cortex
Processes visual information
Basal Ganglia
Control movement, motor planning, and skill and habit learning
Thalamus (1,1)
- Sub-cortical structures; Limbic System
Conveys sensory information to the cortex, integrates senses
Hypothalamus (1,1)
- Sub-cortical structures; Limbic System
Oversees hormone release and the autonomic nervous system (ANS)
Amygdala (1,1)
- Limbic System
Modulates emotional learning and memory, especially fear and aggression
Hippocampus (1,1)
- Limbic System
Enables formation of new long-term conscious memories, spatial navigation, and vivid remembering
Medial-forebrain bundle
Pleasure (dopamine system)
Limbic cortex
Above corpus callousum
Cerebellum
Controls balance and coordinates the fine or precise movements
Midbrain
- Brain stem
Tracks visual stimuli and reflexes triggered by sound, regulates sleep and arousal, and controls gross motor movements
Pons
- Brain stem
Conveys information between the cortex and cerebellum
Medulla
- Brain stem
Regulates vital reflexes (breathing, sneezing, coughing, etc.)
Spinal Cord
Conveys information between the brain and the rest of the body
Corpus callosum
- Cerebrum
Conducts communication between cerebral hemispheres
Cortex
Responsible for complex thought
Homunculus
(“Little man”) Size of parts reflect area of cortex dedicated to that motor activity
EEG (1,2)
Electroencephalograph monitors averaged electrical activity of the brain over time
- Attaches electrodes to the surface of the skull and measures resultant activity for various conditions
- Analyses characteristic patterns of activity in humans
Alpha & Beta waves (2)
Low amplitude, high frequency for wakefulness
- Alpha: 8-12 cps (cycles per second)
- Beta: 15 30 cps
Theta waves (2)
Medium amplitude, low frequency for light sleep
- 3.5-7.5 cps
Delta waves (3)
(Unconscious waves) High amplitude, low frequency for deep sleep
- < 3.5 cps
Lesioning
Destroy portions of the brain and examine behavioural differences
Stereotaxic Instrument
Localization of brain structure using 3-D coordinates used during lesioning
ESB
Electrical stimulation of the brain
- Stimulating specific areas of the brain with a weak electrical current and observing behaviour
Medial forebrain bundle
Connection between the midbrain and hypothalamus of dopamine system
CT Scan (1,3)
- Brain imaging
Computerized axial tomography uses X-rays to evaluate brain structure
- Bones ➡️ Tissues ➡️ Fluid
- Colour-coded slices of brain structure
PET Scan (1,4)
- Brain imaging
Positron emission tomography evaluates brain function
- Unstable radioactive chemicals release positrons
- Brightest colours indicate greatest activity
- Observes brain activity by analyzing the path of oxygenated blood
MRI
- Brain imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging uses electromagnetic and radio wave technology to evaluate both brain structure and function with improved resolution
Hemispheric Lateralization
Specialization of cognitive and behavioural functions between hemispheres
Left Brain (2,8)
-
Fine-tuned Language skills
- Speech comprehension
- Speech production
- Phonology
- Syntax
- Reading
- Writing -
Actions
- Making facial expressions
- Motion detection
Right Hemisphere
- **Coarse Language skills
- Simple speech
- Simple writing
- Tone of voice - Visuospatial skills
- Perceptual grouping
- Face perception
Split-brain surgery
Procedure that involves severing the corpus callosum to reduce the spread of epileptic seizures
Broca’s area (1,1)
- Pre-frontal cortex
Speech production
Wernicke’s area
Speech comprehension
Contralateral
The organization of the brain’s hemispheres, where each hemisphere controls movement on the opposite side of the body.
Normal Subjects
Investigate perceptual asymmetries or differences in cognitive processing between hemispheres
