Tuesday

Question 1

Cerebral Cortex “Gray Matter”

Answer 1

Outer layer of the brain, the tissue is folded in on itself, the folding and wrinkling allows for more surface area of cortex to fit into the skull

Question 2

Hypothalamus

Answer 2

Connects with many other regions of the brain and is responsible for controlling hunger, thirst, emotions, body temp regulation, and circadian rhythm.

Also controls the pituitary glands by secreting hormones

Question 3

Computer Tomography (CT or CAT Scan)

Answer 3

Two-dimensional x-ray photographs from different angles that are used to create three-dimensional representations of organs.

-Reveals gross features of the brain

-Identifies muscle or bone disorders, tumor, or blood clots

Images are used to construct overall images of the brain (relatively low resolution)

Question 4

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI SCan)

Answer 4

Brain-imaging method using radio waves and magnetic fields of the body to produce three dimensional detailed images of the brain

-Machine uses energy to construct image

-Better resolution than CAT scan

Question 5

Hippocampus

Answer 5

The hippocampus plays a critical role in the formation, organization, and storage of new memories as well as connecting certain sensations and emotions to these memories

Question 6

Functional MRI

Answer 6

Measuring brain activity by detecting the changes in blood oxygenation and flow that occur in response to neural activity(more oxygen=increases to active area)

Question 7

Position Emission Tomography (PET Scan)

Answer 7

Uses trace amounts of short-lived radioactive material to map functional processes in the brain (glucose)

• Used to measure the total amount of energy that the brain uses during a particular activity

Question 8

Brainstem

Answer 8

Most primitive part of the brain, Base of brain connected to the spinal cord. Controls breathing, swallowing, heart rate, blood pressure, consciousness, and whether one is sleepy or awake

Question 9

Medulla Oblongata “Medula”

Answer 9

Located at the top of the spinal cord (transition zone), controls life sustaining functions

Question 10

Pons

Answer 10

The larger swelling above the medulla that connects the top of the brain to the bottom, the bridge between cerebral hemispheres and both medulla and cerebellum. Role in several autonomic functions such as stimulating breathing and controlling sleep cycles

Question 11

The Reticular Formation

Answer 11

Network of nerves that carry messages between parts of the brain stem (Integrating the nervous system)

-It helps regulate the intensity of pain and controls some parts of the body

-Helps people focus on useful sensory input while filtering out unnecessary stimuli

Question 12

Cerebellum “Little Brain”

Answer 12

Helps control posture, balance, and the coordination of voluntary movements. This allows different muscle groups in the body to act together and produce coordinated fluid movement.

Question 13

Thalamus

Answer 13

Processes and transmits movement and sensory information. Considered the sensory “relay station” of the brain, passing information to the cerebral cortex

-Receives information from all the senses (routes it to the higher brain regions)

Question 14

Limbic System

Answer 14

Network of structures located beneath the cerebral cortex. Coordinates emotions such as fear and aggression, basic drives such as hunger and sex, and the formation of episodic memories

Question 16

Electroencephalograph

Answer 16

Measurement of the electrical activity of the brain by recording from electrodes placed on the scalp

-Electrical output forms waves that may indicate things such as stages of sleep, seizures, and even tumors