Chapter 3B Vocab Flashcards
(33 cards)
Tissue destruction; a brain lesion is a naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue
Lesion
An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity that sweep across the brains surface. These waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp.
Electroencephalogram EEG
A series of X-Ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice through the body.
Computed Tomography scan
A visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task.
Positron emission tomography scan
A technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce a computer generated images of soft tissue. Shows brain anatomy
Magnetic resonance imaging
A technique for revealing blood flow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. fMRI scans show brain function.
Functional MRI
The oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; the brain stem 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 and coordinating movement output and balance
Cerebellum
Doughnut shape 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
The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; the bodies ultimate control and information processing center
Cerebral cortex
Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons
Glial cells
Portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead; involved in speaking and muscle movements and in making plans and judgments
Frontal lobes
Portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and toward the rear; receives sensory input for touch and body position.
Parietal lobes
Portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes areas that receive information from the visual fields
Occipital lobes
Portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears; includes the auditory areas, each receiving information primarily from the opposite ear
Temporal lobes
An area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements
Motor cortex
Area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes body touch and movement sensations
Sensory cortex
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
Association areas
Impairment of language, usually caused by left hemisphere damage either to Brokas area or to Wernick’s area
Aphasia
Controls language expression – and area, usually in the left frontal lobe, that directs the muscle movements involved in speech
Brocas area
