Module 11-13 Flashcards
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.
position emission tomography (PET)
a visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task.
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
a technique that uses
magnetic fields and radio waves
to produce computer-generated
images of soft tissue. MRI scans
show brain anatomy.
functional MRI (fMRI)
a technique for revealing bloodflow
and, therefore, brain activity by
comparing successive MRI scans.
fMRI scans show brain function as
well as its structure.
brainstem
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.
medulla
the base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat
and breathing
pons
helps coordinate movement
reticular formation
a nerve network that travels through the
brainstem and thalamus and plays
an important role in controlling
arousal.
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.
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 (including the hippocampus,
amygdala, and hypothalamus) 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 (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.
hippocampus
processes conscious memories
cerebral cortex
the intricate fabric of interconnected
neural cells covering the cerebral
hemispheres; the body’s ultimate
control and information-processing
center.
frontal lobes
portion of the
cerebral cortex lying just behind the
forehead; involved in speaking and
muscle movements and in making
plans and judgments.
parietal 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.
occipital lobes
portion of the cerebral cortex lying
at the back of the head; includes
areas that receive information from
the visual fields.
temporal lobes
portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above
the ears; includes the auditory
areas, each receiving information
primarily from the opposite ear.
motor cortex
an area at the rear
of the frontal lobes that controls
voluntary movements.
somatosensory cortex
area at the front of the parietal lobes that
registers and processes body touch
and movement sensations.
association areas
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.
corpus callosum
the large band of
neural fibers connecting the two
brain hemispheres and carrying
messages between them.
split brain
a condition resulting
from surgery that isolates the brain’s
two hemispheres by cutting the
fibers (mainly those of the corpus
callosum) connecting them.
