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Definition
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| electroencephalogram (EEG) |
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Definition
| 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 |
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| PET (position emission tomography) scan |
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Definition
| visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task |
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| MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) |
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Definition
| technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue; shows brain anatomy |
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Definition
| technique for revealing bloodflow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scan; show brain function |
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Definition
| the oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; responsible for automatic survival functions |
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Definition
| base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing |
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Definition
| nerve network in the brainstem that plays an important part in controlling arousal |
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Definition
| 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 |
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Definition
| the "little brain" at the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input and coordinating movement output and balance |
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Definition
| neural system (including hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus) located below the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives |
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Definition
| two lima bean-sized neural clusters in the limbic system; linked to emotion |
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Definition
| neural structure lying below the thalamus; directs several maintenance activities like eating, drinking and body temperature; helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland; linked to emotion and reward |
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