vocab #3 Flashcards
lesion
tissue damage
electroencephalogram (EEG)
an amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity sweeping across the brain’s surface. These waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp
CT (computed tomography) scan
a series of X-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice of the brain’s structure
PET (position emission tomography) scan
a visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue
fMRI (functional MRI)
a technique for revealing bloodflow and therefore brain activity by comparing successive MRI Scans. These scans show brain function as well as its structure
brainstem
the oldest part of the central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull
medulla
the base of the brainstem; controls the heartbeat and breathing
thalamus
the brain’s sensory control center, 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
reticular formation
a nerve network that travels through the brainstem and thalamus and plays an important role in controlling arousal
cerebellum
the “little brain” at the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input, coordinating movement output and balance, and enabling nonverbal learning and memory
limbic system
neural system located below the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives
amygdala
two lima-bean-sized neural clusters in the limbic system; linked to emotion
hypothalamus
a neural structure lying below the thalamus; it directs seceral maintenance activities
