Module 5

Question 0

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

Answer 0

Electroencephalogram

Question 1

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

Answer 1

Lesion

Question 2

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

Answer 2

PET (position emission tomography)

Question 3

A technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images that distinguish among different types of soft tissue; allows us to see structures within the brain.

Answer 3

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

Question 4

A technique for revealing bloodflow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. MRI scans show brain anatomy; fMRI scans show brain function.

Answer 4

fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging)

Question 5

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

Answer 5

Brainstem

Question 6

The base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing

Answer 6

Medulla

Question 7

A nerve network in the brainstem that plays an important role in controlling arousal.

Answer 7

Reticular formation

Question 8

The brain’s sensory switchboard, located on top of the brainstem; it direct messages to the sensory receiving areas of the cortex and transmits replies to this cerebellum and medulla.

Answer 8

Thalamus

Question 9

The “little brain” attached to the rear of the brainstem; its functions include processing sensory input and coordinating movement output and balance.

Answer 9

Cerebellum

Question 10

A donutnut-shaped system of neutral structures at the border of the brainstem and cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions such as fear and aggression and drive such as those for food and sex. Includes the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus.

Answer 10

Limbic system

Question 11

Two lima beans-sized neural clusters that are components of the limb if system and are linked to emotion

Answer 11

Amygdala

Question 12

A 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.

Answer 12

Hypothalamus

Question 13

The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells that covers the cerebral hemispheres; the body’s ultimate control and information processing center.

Answer 13

Cerebral cortex

Question 14

Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons.

Answer 14

Glial cells

Question 15

The portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead; in involved in speaking and muscle movements and in making plans and judgments.

Answer 15

Frontal lobes

Question 16

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.

Answer 16

Parietal lobes

Question 17

The portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes the visual areas, which received visual information from the opposite visual field.

Answer 17

Occipital lobes

Question 18

The portion of the cerebral cortex line roughly around the ears; includes the auditory areas, each of which receives auditory information primarily from the opposite ear.

Answer 18

Temporal lobes

Question 19

An area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements.

Answer 19

Motor cortex

Question 20

The area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes body touch and movement sensations.

Answer 20

Sensory cortex

Question 21

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.

Answer 21

Association areas

Question 22

Impairment of language, usually caused by left hemisphere damage either to Broca’s area (impairing speaking) or to Weirnicke’s area (impairing understanding).

Answer 22

Aphasia

Question 23

Controls language expression - an area of the frontal lobe, usually in the left hemisphere, that direct the muscle movements involved in speech.

Answer 23

Broca’s area

Question 24

Controls language reception - a brain area involved in language comprehension and expression usually in the left temporal lobe.

Answer 24

Weirnicke’s area

Question 25

The brains capacity for modification, as evident in brain reorganization following damage (especially in children) and in experiments on the effects of experience on brain development.

Answer 25

Plasticity

Question 26

The large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres and caring messages between them.

Answer 26

Corpus callosum

Question 27

A condition in which the two hemispheres of the brain are isolated by cutting the connecting fibers (mainly those of the corpus callosum) between them.

Answer 27

Split brain