Module 5: Tools of Discovery, Older Brain Structures and the Limbic System

Question 1

How does the EEG (Electroencephalogram) function?

Answer 1

Electrodes placed on the scalp measure
electrical activity in neurons.

Question 2

How does the MEG (Magnetoencephalography) function?

Answer 2

A head coil records magnetic fields from
the brain’s natural electrical currents.

Question 3

How does the PET (Positron emission tomography) function?

Answer 3

Tracks where in the brain a temporarily
radioactive form of glucose goes while
the person given it performs a task.

Question 4

How does the MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) function?

Answer 4

People sit or lie down in a chamber that
uses magnetic fields and radio waves to
provide a map of brain structure.

Question 5

How does the fMRI (Functional magnetic resonance imaging) function?

Answer 5

Measures blood flow to brain regions by
comparing continuous MRI scans.

Question 6

Medulla

Answer 6

Located at the base of the brainstem;
controls heartbeat and breathing.

Question 7

Pons

Answer 7

Sits above the medulla and helps
coordinate movement.

Question 8

What is the oldest and innermost brain region?

Answer 8

Brainstem

Question 9

Thalamus

Answer 9

Brain’s sensory control center, locate don tope of the brainstem; 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; filters information 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 located below the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives (includes amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus).

Question 13

amygdala

Answer 13

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

Question 14

hypothalamus

Answer 14

Lies below the thalamus; directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temp), helps govern endocrine system via the pituitary gland and linked to emotion/reward.

Question 15

hippocampus

Answer 15

Helps process explicit (concious) memories, facts and events, for storage