Shared Flashcard Set

Details

Module 4- The Brain
Exam 1
28
Psychology
Undergraduate 3
02/12/2012

Additional Psychology Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
Brainstem
Definition
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.
Term
Medulla
Definition
the base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing.
Term
Lesion
Definition
tissue destruction. A brain lesion is a naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue.
Term

Electroencephalogram

(EEG)

Definition
an amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity that sweep across the brain’s surface. These waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp.
Term

Positron Emission Tomogrophy Scan

(PET)

Definition
a visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task.
Term

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

(MRI)

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

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

(fMRI)

Definition
a technique for revealing bloodflow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. fMRI scans show brain function.
Term
Thalamus
Definition
the brain’s 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.
Term
Reticular Formation
Definition
a nerve network in the brainstem that plays an important role in controlling arousal.
Term
Cerebellum
Definition
the “little brain” at the rear of the brainstem; functions include some nonverbal learning, processing sensory input, and coordinating movement output and balance.
Term
Limbic System
Definition
neural system (including the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus) located below the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives.
Term
Amygdala
Definition
two lima-bean-sized neural clusters in the limbic system; linked to emotion.
Term
Hypothalamus
Definition
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.
Term
Cerebral Cortex
Definition
the intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; the body’s ultimate control and information-processing center.
Term
Frontal Lobes
Definition
portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead; involved in speaking and muscle movements and in making plans and judgments.
Term
Parietal Lobes
Definition
portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and toward the rear; receives sensory input for touch and body position.
Term
Occipital Lobes
Definition
portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes areas that receive information from the visual fields.
Term
Temporal Lobes
Definition
portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears; includes the auditory areas, each receiving information primarily from the opposite ear.
Term
Motor Cortex
Definition
an area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements.
Term
Sensory Cortex
Definition
area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes body touch and movement sensations.
Term
Association Areas
Definition
reas 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, speaking, and integrating information.
Term
Aphasia
Definition
impairment of language, usually caused by left-hemisphere damage either to Broca’s area (impairing speaking) or to Wernicke’s area (impairing understanding).
Term
Broca's Area
Definition
controls language expression; an area of the frontal lobe, usually in the left hemisphere, that directs the muscle movements involved in speech.
Term
Wernicke's Area
Definition
controls language reception; a brain area, usually in the left temporal lobe, that is involved in language comprehension and expression.
Term
Plasticity
Definition
the brain’s ability to change, especially during childhood, by reorganizing after damage or by building new pathways based on experience.
Term
Neurogenesis
Definition
the formation of new neurons.
Term
Corpus Callosum
Definition
the large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres and carrying messages between them.
Term
Split Brain
Definition
a condition resulting from surgery that isolates the brain’s two hemispheres by cutting the fibers (mainly those of the corpus callosum) connecting them.
Supporting users have an ad free experience!