Key terms

Question 1

Frontal lobe

Answer 1

Each of the paired lobes of the brain lying immediately behind the forehead, including areas
concerned with behaviour, learning, personality, and voluntary movement.

Question 2

Pre-frontal cortex

Answer 2

The grey matter of the anterior part of the frontal lobe that is highly developed in humans and plays a
role in the regulation of complex cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning.

Question 3

Dorsolateral frontal lobe

Answer 3

One of the most recently evolved parts of the human brain that undergoes an extremely prolonged
period of maturation that lasts until adulthood.

Question 4

Cerebral cortex

Answer 4

The outer layer of the brain, composed of folded grey matter and playing an important role in
consciousness

Question 5

Temporal lobe

Answer 5

Each of the paired lobes of the brain lying beneath the temples, including areas concerned with the
understanding of speech

Question 6

Amygdala

Answer 6

A roughly almond-shaped mass of grey matter inside each cerebral hemisphere, involved with the
experiencing of emotions.

Question 7

Hypothalamus

Answer 7

Coordinates both the autonomic nervous system and the activity of the pituitary, controlling body
temperature, thirst, hunger, and other homeostatic systems, and involved in sleep and emotional
activity.

Question 8

Hippocampus

Answer 8

The elongated ridges on the floor of each lateral ventricle of the brain, thought to be the centre of
emotion, memory, and the autonomic nervous system

Question 9

Limbic system

Answer 9

A complex system of nerves and networks in the brain, involving several areas near the edge of the
cortex concerned with instinct and mood.

Question 10

Pineal gland

Answer 10

A pea-sized conical mass of tissue behind the third ventricle of the brain, secreting a hormone-like
substance in some mammals

Question 11

Melatonin

Answer 11

Hormone secreted by the pineal gland which inhibits melanin formation and is thought to be
concerned with regulating the reproductive cycle.

Question 12

Basal Ganglia

Answer 12

A group of structures linked to the thalamus in the base of the brain and involved in coordination of
movement.

Question 13

Dopaminergic neurons

Answer 13

Located in the substantia nigra are the main source of dopamine

Question 14

Occipital lobe

Answer 14

The rearmost lobe in each cerebral hemisphere of the brain.

Question 15

Parietal lobe

Answer 15

Either of the paired lobes of the brain at the top of the head, including areas concerned with the
reception and correlation of sensory information.

Question 16

Cerebellum

Answer 16

Latin for “little brain” is a major structure of the hindbrain that is located near the brainstem. This part of
the brain is responsible for a number of functions including motor skills such as balance, coordination,
and posture.

Question 17

Synapses

Answer 17

A junction between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by
diffusion of a neurotransmitter.

Question 18

Central nervous system

Answer 18

The complex of nerve tissues that controls the activities of the body. In vertebrates it comprises the
brain and spinal cord.

Question 19

Cerebral blood flow

Answer 19

The blood supply to the brain in a given period of time

Question 20

Dopamine system

Answer 20

A monoamine neurotransmitter that is formed during the synthesis of norepinephrine and is essential
to the normal functioning of the central nervous system.

Question 21

Synaptic transmission

Answer 21

To how the nervous system transmits information across a “synaptic gap” (the physical gap between
nerve cells) from one neuron to another.

Question 22

Neuropsychology

Answer 22

The study of the relationship between behaviour, emotion, and cognition on the one hand, and brain
function on the other

Question 23

Brain imaging techniques

Answer 23

Non-invasive or minimally invasive techniques that enable imaging the structure or function of the
brain.

Question 24

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)

Answer 24

A nuclear medicine tomographic imaging technique using gamma rays.

Question 25

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer 25

A type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the
inside of the body

Question 26

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Answer 26

A functional neuroimaging procedure using MRI technology that measures brain activity by detecting
changes associated with blood flow

Question 27

Positron emission tomography (PET)

Answer 27

An imaging test that allows your doctor to check for diseases in your body.