Modules 11 & 12

Question 1

: tissue destruction. A brain lesion is a naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue

Answer 1

Lesion

Question 2

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

Answer 2

Electroencephalogram (EEG):

Question 3

: a series of X-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice of the brain’s structure

Answer 3

CT (computed tomography) scan

Question 4

: a visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task

Answer 4

PET (positron emission tomography) scan

Question 5

a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue. These scans show brain anatomy.

Answer 5

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging):

Question 6

: a technique for revealing blood flow, and therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. These scans show brain function as well as its structure

Answer 6

fMRI (functional MRI)

Question 7

: the oldest part central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; this is responsible for automatic survival functions

Answer 7

Brainstem

Question 8

: the base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing

Answer 8

Medulla

Question 9

: 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

Answer 9

Thalamus

Question 10

: a nerve network that travels through the brainstem and thalamus and plays an important role in controlling arousal

Answer 10

Reticular formation

Question 11

: the “little brain” and the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input, coordinating movement output and balance, and enabling nonverbal learning and memory.

Answer 11

Cerebellum

Question 12

: neutral system (including the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus) located below the cerebral hemisphere; associated with emotions and drive

Answer 12

Limbic System

Question 13

: two Lima-bean-sized neutral clusters in the lambic system; linked to emotion.

Answer 13

Amygdala

Question 14

a neutral structure 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.

Answer 14

Hypothalamus;

Question 15

: the intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; the body’s ultimate control and information-processing center

Answer 15

Cerebral cortex

Question 16

: cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons; they may also pay a role in learning and thinking.

Answer 16

Glial cells

Question 17

: portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead; involved in speaking and muscle movement and in making plans and judgements

Answer 17

Frontal lobes

Question 18

: portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and toward the rear; receives sensory input for touch and body position.

Answer 18

Parietal lobes

Question 19

: portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; including areas that receive information from the visual fields

Answer 19

Occipital lobes

Question 20

: portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears; including the auditory areas, each receiving information primarily from the opposite ear

Answer 20

Temporal lobes

Question 21

: an area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements

Answer 21

Motor cortex

Question 22

: area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes body touch and movement sensations

Answer 22

Somatosensory cortex

Question 23

: areas of the cerebral cortex that are mot involved in primary motor or sensory functions; rather, they are involved in higher mental functions such as learning, remembering, thinking, and speaking

Answer 23

Association areas

Question 24

:the brains about to change, especially during childhood, by recognizing after damage or by building new pathways based on experience

Answer 24

Plasticity

Question 25

: the formation of new neurons

Answer 25

Neurogenesis