Module 4: Older Brain Structures and the Limbic System

Question 1

Lesion

Answer 1

tissue destruction. A brain lesion is a naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue.

Question 2

EEG (electroencephalogram)

Answer 2

an amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity sweeping across the brain’s surface. These waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp.

Question 3

MEG (magnetoencephalography)

Answer 3

a brain-imaging technique that measures magnetic fields from the brain’s natural electrical activity.

Question 4

PET (positron emission tomography) scan

Answer 4

a visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task.

Question 5

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

Answer 5

a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue. MRI scans show brain anatomy.

Question 6

fMRI (functional MRI)

Answer 6

a technique for revealing blood flow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. fMRI scans show brain function as well as structure.

Question 7

Brainstem

Answer 7

the oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; the brainstem is responsible for automatic survival functions.

Question 8

Medulla

Answer 8

the base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing.

Question 9

Thalamus

Answer 9

the brain’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.

Question 10

Reticular Formation

Answer 10

a nerve network that travels through the brainstem into the thalamus and plays an important role in controlling arousal.

Question 11

Cerebellum

Answer 11

the “little brain” at the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input, coordinating movement output and balance, and enabling nonverbal learning and memory.

Question 12

Limbic System

Answer 12

neural system (including the amygdala, hypothalamus, and hippocampus) located at the border between the brainstem and the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives.

Question 13

Amygdala

Answer 13

two lima-bean-sized neural clusters in the limbic system; linked to emotion.

Question 14

Hypothalamus

Answer 14

a neural structure lying below (hypo) 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.

Question 15

Hippocampus

Answer 15

a neural center located in the limbic system; helps process explicit (conscious) memories—of facts and events—for storage.

Question 16

Pons

Answer 16

a part of the brainstem that helps to coordinate movement