AP PSYCH BRAIN QUIZ

Corpus Callosum

Bundle of nerve fibers that connects the two hemispheres, messages move from one side of the brain to the other

Lateralization

Each brain hemisphere has its own distinct functions

Left Hemisphere

Specializes in language, speech, handwriting, calculation, sense of time and rhythm (thought requiring analysis)

Right Hemisphere

Specializes in more widespread processing involving perception, visualization, spatial perception, recognition of patterns, faces, emotions, melodies, and expression of emotions

Cerebral Cortex “Gray Matter”

Outer layer of the brain; distinctly human traits including higher thought, language, and human consciousness as well as the ability to think, reason and imagine all originate in the cerebral cortex

Lobes

Areas of the cerebral cortex, location and primary function, each with a specialty

Frontal Lobes

Areas of the cortex location in the front and top of the brain, associated with reasoning, motor skills, higher level cognition, and expressive language

Prefrontal Cortex (Frontal Lobe Association Area)

This brain region has been implicated in planning complex cognitive behavior, personality expression, decision making, and moderating social behavior

Motor Cortex (Frontal Lobe Association Are)

This area of the brain receives information from various lobes of the brain and utilizes this information to carry out body movements

Broca’s Area (Frontal Lobe Association Area)

Located in the lower portion of the left frontal lobe, controls motor functions involved with speech production and language comprehension; may be involved with muscle movements for speech

Parietal Lobes

Sections of the brain located at the top and back of each cerebral hemisphere containing the centers of processing sensory signals such as touch, pressure, temperature, and pain

Somatosensory Cortex (Parietal Lobes Association Area)

Part of your brain that receives and processes sensory information from the entire body

Occipital Lobes

Sections of the brain located at the rear and bottom of each cerebral hemisphere containing the visual centers of the brain; information from the left half of visual field of both eyes processed in the right occipital lobe, the rest processed in the left occipital lobe

Visual Association Cortex

Recognizes lines, angles, shapes, shadows, and movement

Temporal Lobe

Areas of the cortex located just behind the temples containing the neurons responsible for the sense of hearing and meaningful speech

Wernicke’s Area

Located in the temporal lobe on the left side of the brain and is responsible for the comprehension of speech; plans for meaningful speech created here (Broca’s Area determines movements needed for vocalization)

Brainstem

Most primitive part of the brain, base of brain connected to spinal cord; controls the flow of messages between the brain and the rest of the body; controls basic body functions such as breathing, swallowing, heart rate, blood pressure, consciousness, and whether one is awake or sleepy

Medulla Oblongata

Located at the top of the spiral cord (transition zone) controls life-sustaining functions; controls vital autonomic functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure; where most fibers cross, resulting in contralateral (opposite side) control

Pons

The larger swelling above the medulla that connects the top of the brain to the bottom, the bridge between cerebral hemispheres and both medulla & cerebellum; role in several autonomic functions such as stimulating breathing and controlling sleep cycles

The Reticular Formation

Network of nerves that carry messages between parts of the brain stem (integrating the nervous system); helps regulate intensity of pain and controls some parts of the body; helps people focus on useful sensory input while filtering out unnecessary stimuli

Cerebellum “Little Brain”

Helps control posture, balance, and the coordination of voluntary movements; allows different muscle groups in the body to act together and produce coordinated fluid movement

Thalamus

Processes and transmits movement and sensory information; considered the sensory “relay station” of the brain, passing on information to the cerebral cortex; receives information from the senses (routes it to the higher brain regions that deal with seeing, hearing, tasting, and touching)

Limbic System

Network of structures located beneath the cerebral cortex; coordinates emotions such as fear and aggression, drives such as hunger and sex, the formation of episodic memories

Hypothalamus

Connects with many other regions of the brain and is responsible for controlling hunger, thirst, emotions, body temperature regulation, and circadian rhythms; controls pituitary gland by secreting hormones

Hippocampus

Plays a critical role in the formation, organization, and storage of new memories as well as connecting certain sensations and emotions to these memories

Amygdala “Fear Center”

Primarily involved in processing emotion and survival responses; becomes active during potentially threatening situations (coordinates fight-or-flight response); influences aggression and fear