Terms to know: 10/16/24 Flashcards
A system of glands that produce hormones to
regulate functions like growth, metabolism, and mood.
Endocrine System
Chemical messengers released by glands into the
bloodstream that affect tissues and organs.
Hormones
Glands located on top of the kidneys that produce
hormones like adrenaline, which help the body respond to stress.
Adrenal Glands
The “master gland” that controls other glands in the
body and regulates growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
Pituitary Gland
Damage to brain tissue, often used in research to study brain
functions.
Lesion
A test that measures electrical activity in
the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp.
EEG (Electroencephalogram)
A brain imaging technique that
measures magnetic fields created by brain activity.
MEG (Magnetoencephalography)
An imaging technique that uses X-
rays to create detailed pictures of the brain.
CT (Computed Tomography) Scan
A brain imaging technique
that shows which parts of the brain are active by tracking glucose usage.
PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan
A technique that uses magnetic
fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging
A technique that measures brain activity by
detecting changes in blood flow, showing which parts of the brain are
fMRI (Functional MRI)
The oldest part of the brain that controls basic survival
functions like heartbeat and breathing.
Brainstem
The part of the brainstem that controls vital functions like
heart rate and breathing.
Medulla
The brain’s “relay station” that sends sensory information to
the appropriate areas of the brain for processing.
Thalamus
A network of nerves in the brainstem that helps
regulate alertness and sleep.
Reticular Formation
A structure at the back of the brain that controls balance
and coordination.
Cerebellum
A group of brain structures involved in emotions,
motivation, and memory.
Limbic System
A part of the limbic system that processes emotions like fear
and aggression.
Amygdala
A brain region that regulates bodily functions like
hunger, thirst, body temperature, and sexual behavior.
Hypothalamus
A part of the brain involved in forming new memories.
Hippocampus
The outer layer of the brain responsible for complex
thinking, decision-making, and sensory processing.
Cerebral Cortex
The part of the cerebral cortex involved in decision-
making, planning, and controlling behavior.
Frontal Lobes
The part of the cerebral cortex that processes sensory
information like touch and spatial awareness.
Parietal Lobes
The part of the cerebral cortex that processes visual
information.
Occipital Lobes
The part of the cerebral cortex that processes auditory
information and is involved in memory.
Temporal Lobes
The part of the brain that controls voluntary movements.
Motor Cortex
The part of the brain that processes touch and
other sensory information from the body.
Somatosensory Corte
Parts of the cerebral cortex that are involved in
higher mental functions like learning, remembering, and speaking.
Association Areas
