The Brain! Flashcards
a non-invasive way to stimulate neurons in targeted areas of the cortex
TMS
this has been widely used as treatment for Parkinson’s disease, seizure disorder, chronic pain, and possibly some psychiatric disorders
Electrical Stimulation of the Brain called DBS
neuroimaging techniques allow what?
they allow us to see what is going in the brain as a whole
2 common techniques to view brain structure are
CT scan and MRI
to see the activity of the living brain we can record the electrical activity of the cortex using a device called an
electroencephalograph
an EEG uses what to measure what?
electrodes/waves
this technique requires a helmet-like device that covers the head
MEG
how does PET differ from EEG and MEG?
Positron emission tomography uses energy consumption or changes in blood oxygen levels to “view” activity
this technique makes sort of a “movie” of the brain’s functioning
fMRI
name the 4 structures that make up the hindbrain
medulla, pons, reticular formation & cerebellum
what are the 2 swellings on the brain stem called?
the medulla and the pons
What part of the brain helps us ignore constant stimulants and keeps us alert and aroused?
the RF
what do the Pons and the RF have in common
both are involved with arousal
which structure is involved with dreaming?
Pons
breathing, heartbeat and swallowing are…
life-sustaining functions handled by the medulla
the cerebellum’s nickname is
“little-brain”
what brain structure is located at the base of the skull behind the pons?
the cerebellum
when you think of posture, muscle tone and balance, think of this hindbrain structure:
the cerebellum
afferent means
sensory
efferent means
motor
which nerves cross over in the Pons?
sensory
subcortical means
“under” the cortex
the limbic system is found in the inner margin of the upper brain and includes which structures?
thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala and the cingulate cortex
what structure is shaped like an almond?
amygdala
which structure sits below the thalamus?
hypothalamus
first brain dissecters thought this structure looks like a seahorse
the hippocampus
this is the primary cortical component of the limbic system implicated in ADHD
cingulate cortex
mnemonic means
memory
the brain weighs how many pounds?
3 lbs
how many neurons do we have?
billions
what other brain cells are instrumental in the central nervous system?
glia and schwann
info from the senses goes here first before higher parts of the brain to be registered into consciousness
both thalamus and amydala
another word for this structure is “relay center”
thalamus
what is the ONLY sense whose signals do NOT pass through the thalamus?
smell
this small but mighty structure regulates temp, hunger, thirst, sleep, waking, sexual activity, and emotions!
hypothalamus
this structure helps form long term memories before they are stored
hippocampus
ACh is involved with muscle control as well as
memory
What is called when a person is immune to pain?
Kluver-Bucy syndrome
the brain is located in which part of the nervous system?
central
which structure in the limbic system controls the pituitary gland and therefore the regulation of hormones?
hypothalamus
in general, what 4 things are the limbic system in charge of?
emotions, motivation, memory and learning
