Unit 3B Biological Bases of Behavior: The Brain

Question 0

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Answer 0

An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity that sweep across the brain’s surface. These waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp.

Question 1

Lesion

Answer 1

Tissue destruction; a brain lesion is a naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue.

Question 2

CT (computed tomography) scan

Answer 2

A series of X-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice through the body. Also called CAT scan.

Question 3

PET (positron emission tomography) scan

Answer 3

A visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given test.

Question 4

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Answer 4

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

Question 5

fMRI (functional MRI)

Answer 5

A technique for revealing bloodflow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans, fMRI scans show brain function

Question 6

Brainstem

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Medulla

Answer 7

The base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing.

Question 8

Reticular Formation

Answer 8

A nerve network in the brainstem that plays an important role in controlling arousal.

Question 9

Thalamus

Answer 9

The brain’s 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.

Question 10

Cerebellum

Answer 10

The “little brain” at the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input and coordinating movement output and balance

Question 11

Limbic system

Answer 11

Doughnut-shaped neural system (including the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus) located below the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives.

Question 12

Amygdala

Answer 12

Two lima bean-sized neural clusters in the limbus system; linked to emotion

Question 13

Hypothalamus

Answer 13

A neural 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.

Question 14

Cerebral cortex

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Glial cells (glia)

Answer 15

Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons

Question 16

Frontal lobes

Answer 16

Portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead; involved in speaking and muscle movements and in making plans and judgements.

Question 17

Parietal lobes

Answer 17

Portion of the cerebral cortex lying in the top of the head and towards the rear; receives sensory input for touch and body position

Question 18

Occipital lobes

Answer 18

Portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes areas that receive information from the visual fields

Question 19

Temporal lobes

Answer 19

Portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears; includes the auditory areas, each receiving information primarily from the opposite ear

Question 20

Motor cortex

Answer 20

An area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements

Question 21

Sensory cortex

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Association areas

Answer 22

Areas of the cerebral cortex that are not involved in primary motor or sensory functions; rather, they are involved in higher mental functions such as learning, remembering, thinking, and speaking

Question 23

Aphasia

Answer 23

Impairment of language, usually caused by left hemisphere damage either to Broca’s area (impairing speaking) or to Wernicke’s area (impairing understanding)

Question 24

Broca’s area

Answer 24

Controls language expression – an area, usually in the left frontal lobe, that directs the muscle movements involved in speech.

Question 25

Wernicke’s area

Answer 25

Controls language reception – a brain area that involved in language comprehension and expression; usually in the left temporal lobe

Question 26

Plasticity

Answer 26

The brain’s ability to change, especially during childhood, by reorganizing after damage or by building new pathways based on experience.

Question 27

Neurogenesis

Answer 27

The formation of new neurons

Question 28

Corpus callosum

Answer 28

The large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres and carry messages between them

Question 29

Split brain

Answer 29

A condition resulting from surgery that isolates the brain’s two hemispheres by cutting the fibers (mainly those of the corpus callosum) connecting them

Question 30

Consciousness

Answer 30

Our awareness of ourselves and our environment

Question 31

Cognitive neuroscience

Answer 31

The interdisciplinary study of the brain activity linked with cognition (including perception, thinking memory, and language)

Question 32

Dual processing

Answer 32

The principle that information is often simultaneously processed on separate conscious and unconscious tracks