Mod 11 Vocab - Yonna H.

Lesion

Tissue Destruction. A brain lesion is a naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue.

Brain Scan - EEG (Electroencephalogram)

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.

Brain Scan - MEG (magnetoencephalography)

Technique that measures brain activity by detecting tiny magnetic fields generated by the brain.

Brain Scan - CT (computed tomography)

A series of x-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice through the body.

Brain Scan - PET (positron emission tomography)

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

Brain Scan - MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

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

Brain Scan - fMRI (functional MRI)

A technique for revealing blood flow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. fMRI scans show brain function.

Medulla

The base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing.

Thalamus

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.

Reticular Formation

A nerve network in the brainstem that plays an important role in controlling arousal.

Cerebellum

The 'little brain' at the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input and coordinating movement output and balance.

Limbic System

Neural system (including the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus) located below the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives.

Amygdala

Two lima bean-sized neural clusters in the limbic system; linked to emotion.

Hypothalamus

A neural structure lying BELOW the thalamus; directs eating, drinking, body temperature; helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion.

Hippocampus

A neural center located in the limbic system that helps process explicit memories for storage.

Pons

The part of the brainstem that links the medulla oblongata and the thalamus. Helps coordinate movement and control sleep.

Pituitary Gland

The Master Gland. The endocrine system's most influential gland. Under the influence of the hypothalamus, the pituitary regulates growth and controls other endocrine glands.

Cerebral Cortex

The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; the body's ultimate control and information-processing center.

Cerebrum

Area of the brain responsible for all VOLUNTARY activities of the body.

Brainstem

The oldest part and central core of the brain, responsible for automatic survival functions.

Spinal Cord

Nerves that run up and down the length of the back and transmit most messages between the body and brain.

Corpus Callosum

The large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres and carrying messages between them.