Unit 3B Vocab Flashcards
(33 cards)
Lesion
Tissue destruction; a brain lesion is a naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
And amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity that sweep across the brain 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 it by computer into a composite representation of a slice through the body. Also called cat scan
PET (positron 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 field and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue you. MRI scans show brain anatomy
fMRI (functional MRI)
A technique for revealing bloodflow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. FMRI scans show brain function
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
Reticular formation
A nerve network in the brainstem that plays an important role in controlling arousal
Thalamus
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 Medula
Cerebellum
The little brain at the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input and coordinating movement output and balance
Limbic system
Doughnut shape neural system located below the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives
Amygdala
Two lima beans sized neural clusters in the limbic system; linked to emotion
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
Cerebral cortex
The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; the bodies ultimate control and information processing center
Glial cells
Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons
Frontal lobes
Portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the four head; 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 lobed
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 here
Motor cortex
An area at the rear of the frontal lobe that controls voluntary movements
Sensory 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.
Aphasia
Impairment of language, usually caused by left hemisphere damage either to Broca’s area or two Wernicke’s area
