AP Psych: Unit 2, Lecture 2 - The Brain

Vocabulary flashcards covering the structures and functions of the Hindbrain, Midbrain, and Forebrain as presented in AP Psychology Unit 2, Lecture 2.

Hindbrain

Also known as the “Reptilian” Brain, it manages instincts, survival, and bodily functions.

Midbrain

Also known as the “Old Mammalian” Brain, it manages emotion, reproduction, and parenting.

Forebrain

Also known as the “New Mammalian” Brain, it manages language, abstract thinking, and planning.

Spinal cord

Manages communication between the brain and body by sending nerve signals from body to brain and vice versa.

Brainstem

Region of the hindbrain that controls automatic survival functions like heart rate, breathing, sleeping, and eating.

Reticular formation

Manages arousal, including energy and focus levels.

Medulla oblongata

Responsible for managing heart rate and breathing.

Pons

Manages sleep and dreams, as well as bladder control, hearing, eye movement, and facial expressions.

Cerebellum

Part of the brainstem that manages muscle movement and balance.

Limbic system

A system of connected structures in the midbrain that regulate emotion and motivation.

Hippocampus

Manages the storing and retrieving of memories.

Thalamus

Acting as a sensory switchboard, it sends sensory information to the corresponding parts of the brain.

Hypothalamus

The brain’s reward center that uses hormones to maintain homeostasis, including temperature, appetite, and emotion.

Amygdala

The brain structure that triggers fear and anger.

Corpus callosum

Connects and coordinates communication between the left and right brain hemispheres.

Cerebral cortex

The region of the brain controlling higher order information processing, which distinguishes humans from other animals.

Occipital lobe

The visual lobe that receives and perceives visual information, including the analysis of sight.

Parietal lobe

The sensation lobe that controls the perception of touch and pressure.

Temporal lobes

Auditory lobes that control hearing and the analysis of auditory information.

Frontal lobe

The judgment lobe that controls reflection, personality, speaking, planning, and muscle movements.

Angular gyrus

Coordinates reading by coding written words into auditory expression.

Wernicke’s area

Directs the understanding (comprehension) and expression of language.

Somatosensory cortex

Processes feelings in the body including pain and pleasure; it also engages empathy.

Motor cortex

Higher order cortex that controls voluntary movements.

Broca’s area

Coordinates the movement of the tongue and mouth for talking or speech.