Unit 3B The Brain Flashcards
Lesion
Tissue destruction; a brain lesion is a naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue.
Electroencephalogram
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.
CT (computed tomography) scan
Examines the brain by taking X-ray photographs that can reveal brain damage.
PET (positron emission tomography) scan
Depicts brain activity by showing each brain areas consumption of its chemical fuel, the sugar glucose.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
It is used to get a detailed picture of a brains soft tissue.
Brainstem
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
Reticular formation
A nerve network in brainstem that plays an important role in controlling arousal.
Thalamus
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
At the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input and coordinating movement output and balance.
Pons
The part of your Brainstem in between the brain and spinal cord; it allows signals to travel to and from your brain.
Limbic System
Doughnut-shaped 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 fear and emotions.
Hypothalamus
A neural structure lying below the thalamus; it directs several maintenance activities, helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion and reward.
Reward deficiency syndrome
A genetically disposed deficiency in the natural brain systems for pleasure and well-being that leads people to crave whatever provided that missing pleasure or relieves negative feelings.
Cerebral Cortex
The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; the body’s ultimate control and information-processing center.
Glial Cells
Support the billions of nerve cells in the cerebral cortex, providing nutrients, insulating myelin, and guiding neural connections
Frontal lobe
The portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead; involved in speaking and muscle movements and in making plans and judgement
Parietal lobe
The 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 lobe
The portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; including areas that receive information from the visual fields
Temporal lobe
The portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears; include 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.
Sensory cortex
Area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes body tough and movement sensations.
Association areas
Areas of the cerebral cortex that are involved in primary motor or sensory functions; rather, they are involved in higher mental functions such as learning, remembering, thinking, and speaking.
