Modules 11, 12, 13 The Brain & Tools of Discovery Flashcards
lesion
tissue destruction. A brain lesion is a naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue.
electroencephalogram (EEG)
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.
PET (positron emission tomography) scan
a visual display of brain activity that detects where radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
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.
fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging)
a technique for revealing blood flow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. MRI scans show brain anatomy; fMRI scans show brain function.
brainstem
the oldest part of the brain 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.
reticular formation
a nerve network in the brainstem that plays an important role in controlling arousal.
thalamus
the brain’s sensory switchboard, located on the top of the brainstem; it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla.
cerebellum
the “little brain” attached to the rear of the brainstem; its function include processing sensory input and coordinating movement output and balance.
limbic system
a doughnut shaped system of neural structures at the border of the brainstem an cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotion such as fear and aggression and drives such as those for food and sex. Includes the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala.
amygdala
two lima bean sized neural clusters that are components of the limbic system and are linked to emotions of fear and aggression.
hypothalamus
a neural structure lying below the thalamus that directs eating, drinking, body temperature, governs the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion.
cerebral cortex
the fabric of interconnected neural cells that covers the cerebral hemispheres, the ultimate control and information processing center of the brain.
glial cells
cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons.
frontal lobes
portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead involved in higher processing functions like speech, muscle movements, and planning and moral judgments.
parietal lobes
portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top and rear of the head receiving input for touch and body position; responsible for math and spatial reasoning.
occipital lobes
portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes visual processing centers.
temporal lobes
portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears; includes auditory processing centers.
motor cortex
an area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movement.
sensory cortex
an area at the front of the parietal lobes that processes body touch and movements.
association areas
areas of the cerebral cortex that are not involved in primary motor or sensory functions, rather, higher mental functions like learning, remembering, speaking, and thinking. (interneurons)
aphasia
impairment of language, usually a result of damage to the left hemisphere in broca’s area or wernicke’s area.
broca’s area
controls language expression - after processing in wernicke’s area, directs muscle movement involved in speech.
wernicke’s area
controls language processing - involved in language comprehension and expression.
brain plasticity
the brain’s capacity to modify and repair itself after damages (especially capable in children).
corpus callosum
the large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres carrying messages between them.
split brain
a condition in which the two hemispheres of the brain are severed by cutting the fibers of the corpus callosum.
