Module 5: Tools of Discovery, Older Brain Structures, and the Limbic System Flashcards
Lesion
Tissue destruction. A brain lesion is a naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue.
EEG
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.
MEG
A brain-imaging technique that measures magnetic fields from the brain’s natural electrical activity.
PET
A technique for detecting brain activity that displays where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task.
MRI
A technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue. MRI scans show brain anatomy.
fMRI
A technique for revealing blood flow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. fMri scans show brain function as well as structure.
Brainstem
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.
Medulla
The base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing
Thalamus
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.
Reticular formation
A nerve network that travels through the brainstem into the thalamus; filters information and plays an important role in controlling arousal.
Cerebellum
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.
Limbic system
Neural system (including the amygdala, hypothalamus, and hippocampus) located below the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives.
Amygdala
Two lima-bean-sized neural clusters in the limbic system; linked to emotion
Hypothalamus
A neural structure in the limbic system 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.
Hippocampus
A neural center located in the limbic system; helps process explicit (conscious) memories– of facts and events– for storage