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Definition
| Process by which frequently used connections between neurons are maintained and unused connections are destroyed. |
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| Time marked by significant neurological activity and development. Brain contains three times as many connections as an adult brain. |
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| Electroencephalograph (EEG) |
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Definition
| Machine that reads electrical activity in the brain. Most instant results, but low resolution and no visualization of regions within the brain. |
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| Computerize Axial Tomography (CAT) Scan |
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Definition
| Process that combined numerous 2D x-rays into a 3D image. Able to detect blood flow and tissue damage. |
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| Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan |
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Definition
| An injected radioactive compound decays inside the blood, allowing for machines to detect where blood is flowing. Higher concentrations of blood flow indicate higher workloads in the brain. |
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| Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) |
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Definition
| 3D imaging process that provides accurate images of the interior of the body through electromagnetic particles within the body. |
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| Magnetoencephalography (MEG) |
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Definition
| Device that detects extremely faint magnetic fields within the human brain to create the highest resolution image currently possible in millisecond time. Cost prohibitive in most circumstances. |
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Term
| Prefrontal Cortex During Puberty |
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Definition
| Beginning to develop, a process that will take several years to fully complete. Begins to allow planning for the future, process morals, and directs the final stages of maturation in the rest of the brain. |
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| Infants are able to comprehend minute differences in pronunciation and sounds, allowing them to understand languages proficiently. By 20 months, the child has the foundation of speaking whatever languages it heard frequently. This process may be hampered by developmental or cognitive disabilities. |
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Definition
| Essentially asks "Is the mind part of the brain, or is the brain part of the mind?" Dualism contends that the mind and brain are two distinct things, while monism states that they are the same. |
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Term
| Phase 1 Brain: Protoreptilian Section |
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Definition
| Also known as the hindbrain. Controls essential bodily functions such as sleep, heart rate, and blood pressure. Located at the base of the brain above the spinal cord. |
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Term
| Phase 2 Brain: Paleomammalian Section |
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Definition
| Also known as the midbrain. Connects the hindbrain and forebrain sections of the brain. Interprets sensory inputs for the forebrain. |
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| Phase 3 Brain: Neomammalian Section |
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Definition
| Also known as the forebrain. Controls most functions of the human body. Allows for emotions, conceptual thought, and other high-level neurological activities. |
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Term
| Reticular Activating System (RAS) |
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Definition
| The trigger in the brain that provokes the "fight or flight" response. Shuts down the prefrontal cortex and forces the brain to rely on instincts rather than logic and deductive reasoning. |
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Term
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Definition
| Located on the outer-most layer of the brain. Plays important part in memory, thought, language, consciousness, and attention. |
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Definition
| Located in the front half of the brain. Associated with future planning, grammar and language, physical actions, emotions, and problem solving. |
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Definition
| Located on the top-rear of the brain. Associated with physical movement, interpretation of sensory data, balance, and spatial awareness and orientation. |
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Definition
| Located at the rear of the brain. Associated with interpretation of visual stimuli. |
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Definition
| Located in the center of the brain. Associated with memory, auditory stimuli, and interpreting speech and language. |
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| A concept that states the left and right hemispheres of the brain are not functionally identical. |
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Definition
| Most associated with logic, reason, language, individuality, purposefulness, categorization, and objectivity. |
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Definition
| Most associated with intuition, emotions, subjectivity, group collaboration, visual stimuli, creativity, and interpersonal relationships. |
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Term
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Definition
| Ability of the brain to compensate for itself and reroute connections to other regions of the brain. Ex: logical thought is generally located in the left hemisphere, but the brain is able to route logic through the right hemisphere if the left one is damaged or fails to function properly. |
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Definition
| Composed of a cell body (soma), nucleus, dendrites, an axon, and axon terminal which connects to other nerve cells. Image: image.wetpaint.com/image/1/KT0ZdoXC8Opz1lX8u4f1Gg33523/GW294H200 |
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| Experience-Based Brain Development |
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Definition
| Theory that experiences at certain stages of life will influence the brain to develop and maintain connections that will impact future events, which in turn impact the brain again, creating a cycle. |
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Definition
| Theory that environmental influences have a permanent physical effect on the biology of the brain. Ex: living in poverty will directly cause the body to be less healthy. |
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| A learning theory that states under normal circumstances and if the brain is not impaired and is able to function normally, learning will ensue. It is an innate process that must happen |
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