Split-Brain Research and Brain Structure

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to brain structure, functions, and research methods discussed in the lecture notes.

Corpus Callosum

Connects the two hemispheres of the brain; severed in epilepsy patients.

Left Hemisphere

Responsible for language, logic, and sequential tasks.

Right Hemisphere

Connected to spatial skills, creativity, facial recognition, and emotions.

Visual Fields

The left visual field is processed by the right hemisphere, and the right visual field is processed by the left hemisphere.

Dr. Michael Gazzaniga

Conducted experiments that proved hemisphere specialization.

Brainstem

Controls automatic survival functions like heartbeat and breathing.

Medulla

Controls heartbeat and breathing.

Pons

Involved in movement and sleep regulation.

Reticular Formation

Regulates arousal and alertness.

Midbrain

Serves as a relay station for sensory information and coordinates movements.

Thalamus

Acts as a sensory switchboard, processing all senses except smell.

Hypothalamus

Regulates homeostasis including hunger, thirst, sex, and temperature; linked to reward and pleasure.

Limbic System

Involved in emotions and memory.

Amygdala

Responsible for fear and aggression.

Hippocampus

Involved in memory formation.

Lateralization

The identification of functions occurring in either the left or right hemisphere of the brain.

Neurogenesis

The growth and development of nervous tissue.

Cerebral Cortex

Outer layer of the brain involved in complex functions.

Frontal Lobe

Associated with planning, decision-making, personality, and motor control.

Parietal Lobe

Processes sensory information and spatial awareness.

Occipital Lobe

Primarily responsible for vision.

Temporal Lobe

Involved in hearing, memory, and language.

Motor Cortex

Located at the rear of the frontal lobe, it is responsible for voluntary movement.

Somatosensory Cortex

Located at the front of the parietal lobe, it processes touch, pressure, and pain.

Broca's Area

Located in the left frontal lobe, it is responsible for speech production.

Wernicke's Area

Located in the left temporal lobe, it is responsible for language comprehension.

Angular Gyrus

Transforms visual into auditory codes, aiding in reading aloud.

Lesion Studies

Involves tissue destruction to study brain functions.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself after damage.

Phineas Gage

Survived a severe injury to the frontal lobe, experiencing changes in personality.