Module 5 Flashcards
Lesion means
To destroy
Optogenics
A technique neuroscientists use to activity of individual neurons
What does EEG stand for
Electroencephalogram
What does an EEG do?
Amplifies the readout of brainwaves from the surface
What does MEG stand for
magnetoencephalography
What is done in a MEG
Isolate the brains magnetic fields through specialized rooms
What does PET stand for
Positron emission tomography
What happens in a PET scan
Shows brain activity through consumption of chemical fuel
What does MRI stand for?
Magnetic resonance imaging
What is done in an MRI?
The brain is scanned through a strong magnetic field, which aligns the spinning atoms of brain molecules. A radio wave pulse temporarily disorients the atoms, revealing the soft tissue of the brain
What does fMRI stand for
Functional magnetic resonance imaging
What is the purpose of an fMRI
Reveal the brains function as well as it’s structure
How does an fMRI work
By detecting blood rushing to the head
What does fNIRS stand for
functional near infrared spectroscopy
What does an fNRIS do
Shines an infrared light on blood molecules to identify brain activity. Much more portable than other tools making it ideal for travel work
Diffusion spectrum imaging attempts to:
Map the brains long-distance connections
What does the brainstem do
Regulate heartbeat and breathing
What do the pons do
Helps coordinate movement and control sleep. They are located just above the medulla
What does the thalamus do
Receives information for all senses besides smell, routes the information to higher brain areas. It is located at the top of the brainstem
What does the reticular formation do
Filters stimuli and relays important information to brain areas, it is a network of nerves that extends from the spinal cord right up through the thalamus
What does the cerebellum do
“The little brain.” It enables nonverbal learning and skill memory. It plays a role in awareness, vocabulary, reading, and quick response time. The cerebellum is located at the rear of the brainstem, it is the size of a baseball.
What is the amygdala
two lima-bean sized neural clusters, responsible for aggression and fear
What is the hypothalamus
Responsible for command chain governing bodily maintenance, such as hunger, thirst, temperature, sexual behavior. This is the core of maintaining homeostasis in humans. It is located below the thalamus
What is the hippocampus
The sea-horse shaped brain structure responsible for conscious and explicit memories.
