Module 4

Question 1

lesion

Answer 1

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

Question 2

electroencephalogram (EEG)

Answer 2

an amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity sweeping across the brain’s surface. These waves are measured by electrodes places on the scalp.

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 task.

Question 4

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

Answer 4

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

Question 5

fMRI (functional MRI)

Answer 5

a technique for revealing blood flow and, therefore brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. fMRI scans show brain function as well as structure.

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

thalamus

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

reticular formation

Answer 9

a nerve network that travels through the brainstem into the thalamus and plays an important role in controlling arousal

Question 10

cerebellum

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

limbic system

Answer 11

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

Question 12

amygdala

Answer 12

two lima-bean-sized neural clusters in the limbic system; linked to emotions

Question 13

hypothalamus

Answer 13

a neural structure lying below the 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

hippocampus

Answer 14

a neural center located in the limbic system helps process explicit memories for storage.