The Brain Flashcards
Tissue destruction. A brain lesion is naturally or experimentally caused if brain tissue
Lesion
An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity that sweep across the brain surface. These waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp
Electroencephalogram
A visual display of brain activity that the text where a radioactive form of glucose goes well the brain performs a given task
PET (positron emission tomography)
A series of x-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice through the body
CT (computed tomography)
A technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue . MRI scans show brain anatomy
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging
A technique for revealing bloodflow and therefore brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. F MRI scans show brain function
F MRI (functional MRI
The oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the school; the brainstem is responsible for automatic survival functions
Brainstem
The base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing
Medulla
A nerve network in the brainstem that plays an important role in controlling arousal
Reticular formation
The brain sensory switchboard, 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
Thalamus
The little brain at the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input in coordinating movement output and balance
Cerebellum
Donut shaped neural system located below the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives
Limbic system
To lima beans sized neural clusters in the limbic system; link to emotion
Amygdala
A neural structure lying below the thalamus; it directs several maintenance activities, helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion and reward
Hypothalamus
The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; The bodies ultimate control and information processing center
Cerebral cortex