Module 5 Flashcards
lesion
destroying tissue without destroying the surrounding area; usually experimental
optogenetics
technique of controlling activity of neurons using microelectrodes that can detect their ele pulse
eletroencephalogram (EEG)
recording of waves of ele activity in brain during a task; can help locate place of seizures; rough
magnetoencephalography (MEG)
measures magnetic fields from brain’s ele activity; detailed; uses head coil in magnetic-field canceling rooms
positron emission tomography (PET) scan
detects where a radioactive form of glucose is consumed during a simple cognitive task; shows “hot spots;” rough
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of brain tissue ; detailed; shows opposite hemisphere
discoveries via MRIs
musicians with perfect pitch have larger L hemi area; people with schizophrenia have larger ventricles
functional MRI (fMRI)
reveals brain function and structure by showing blood/oxygen flow (indicates brain activity); compares MRIs; detailed
default networking
regions that blood/oxygen flows through when brain is unoccupied; causes daydreaming and mind-wandering
computed tomography (CT) scan
series of x-rays that are combined by a computer to produce 1 image; rough
functional connectivity
shows how well different brain areas work together and underlying causes of psychological disorders
diffusion spectrum imaging
type of MRI tech that maps long-distance fiber connections; reveals unique aspects of people
depression in terms of functional connectivity
low connectivity between regions involved in experiencing and regulating emotion
older brain structures
occur w/o conscious effort
brainstem
includes medulla, pons, midbrain
medulla
controls basic life functions (heartbeat, breathing)
pons
controlls sleep and coordinates movements
midbrain
reflexive movement to sounds (connects senses and movement)
thalamus
sensory relay/control center (except smell); “highway”
reticular formation
neuron network that filters info and allows for multitasking; controls consciousness/arousal; ADHD and attention disorders linked to problems with this
cerebellum
learning (classical conditioning); practiced movement; judgement of time
limbic system
forms ring around thalamus
amygdala
aggression and fear; fight or flight response
hypothalmus
maintains homeostasis (hunger, thirst, etc.); controls and communicates with pituitary gland; reward center
feedback system
brain (hypothalamus) -> hormones -> pituitary gland -> hormones -> other glands -> hormones -> brain and body
reward deficiency syndrome
mainly genetic; can lead to substance abuse
hippocampus
processes complex, explicit, and new memories
