Chapter 2.3/2.4 Flashcards
The formation of new neurons
Neurogenesis
The large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres and carrying messages between them.
Corpus Callosum
A condition resulting from surgery that separates the brain’s two hemispheres by cutting the fibers (mainly those of the corpus callosum) connecting them.
Split Brain
Consists of the medulla, pons, and cerebellum; directs essential survival functions, such as breathing, sleeping, and wakefulness, as well as coordination and balance.
Hindbrain
Found atop the brainstem; connects the hindbrain with the forebrain, controls some motor movement, and transmits auditory and visual information
Midbrain
Consists of the cerebral cortex, thalamus, and hypothalamus; manages complex cognitive activities, sensory and associative functions, and voluntary motor activities.
Forebrain
The central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; it is responsible for automatic survival functions
Brainstem
The hindbrain structure that is the base of the brainstem; controls heart rate and breathing
Medulla
The forebrain’s sensory control center, located on top of the brainstem; it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla
Thalamus
A nerve network that travels through the brainstem into the thalamus; filters information and plays an important role in controlling arousal
Reticular Formation
The hindbrain’s “little brain” at the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input, coordinating movement output and balance, and enabling nonverbal learning and memory.
Cerebellum
Neural system located mostly in the forebrain- below the cerebral hemispheres- that includes the amygdala, hypothalamus, and hippocampus; associated with emotions and drives
Limbic System
Two lima-bean sized neural clusters in the limbic system; linked to emotion
Amygdala
A limbic system neural structure lying below the thalamus; it directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temperature), helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion and reward
Hypothalamus
A neural center located in the limbic system that helps process explicit (conscious) memories- of facts and events- for storage
Hippocampus
The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the forebrain’s cerebral hemispheres; the body’s ultimate control and information-processing center.
Cerebral Cortex
The portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead; involved in speaking and muscle movements and in making plans and judgements.
Frontal Lobes
The portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and toward the rear; receives sensory input for touch and body position.
Parietal Lobes
The portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes areas the receive information from the visual fields.
Occipital Lobes
The portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears; includes the auditory areas, each receiving information primarily from the opposite ear.
Temporal Lobes
A cerebral cortex area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements.
Motor Cortex
A cerebral cortex area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes body touch and movement sensations.
Somatosensory Cortex
Areas of the cerebral cortex that are not involved in primary motor or sensory functions; rather, they are involved in higher mental functions such as learning, remembering, thinking, and speaking.
Association Areas
Part of the frontal lobes that enables judgement, planning, social interactions, and processing of new memories.
Prefrontal Cortex
