AP Psych Quiz (with examples)

Lesion

Lesion

abnormal change in the structure of an organ or tissue due to injury, disease, or infection. It can manifest as a sore, wound, or any other type of tissue damage.

Example: A skin ulcer, which is an open sore on the skin or mucous membrane, is a common type of ___.

Select Stimulation

refers to the process of focusing on specific stimuli while ignoring others, often related to attention and perception. It allows individuals to prioritize certain information in their environment.

Example: In a crowded room, a person may focus on a friend's voice while tuning out background noise and conversations. This selective attention helps in processing relevant information effectively.

MEG

non-invasive imaging technique used to measure the magnetic fields produced by neuronal activity in the brain.

Example of Use: A person might need an ___ when being evaluated for epilepsy, as it helps locate the source of seizures by mapping brain activity.

CT scan?

computed tomography scan, is a medical imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. It helps in diagnosing various conditions by providing more information than standard X-rays.

Example: A person might need a ___ if they have severe abdominal pain, as it can help identify issues like appendicitis, tumors, or internal bleeding.

PET scan?

medical imaging technique that uses radioactive substances to visualize and measure metabolic processes in the body. It helps in diagnosing conditions, assessing the effectiveness of treatments, and monitoring disease progression.

Example: A person might need a ___ scan to detect cancer, as it can show areas of high metabolic activity that may indicate tumor presence.

MRI scan?

medical imaging technique that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues inside the body.

Example of when a person might need it: A doctor may order an ____ scan for a patient experiencing unexplained joint pain to assess for potential injuries, tumors, or other abnormalities in the soft tissues or cartilage.

fMRI?

neuroimaging technique that measures and maps brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow. It is often used to assess brain function and identify areas involved in specific tasks.

Example: A person might need an ___ scan to evaluate brain activity related to language processing in patients with stroke or to plan surgery for brain tumors.

Medulla

located in the brainstem, just above the spinal cord. Its primary functions include:

• Regulating vital autonomic functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.

• Controlling reflex actions like swallowing, coughing, and vomiting.

• Relaying signals between the brain and spinal cord.

It plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis in the body.

Pons

located in the brainstem, situated above the medulla oblongata and below the midbrain.

• Regulation of Breathing: Helps control the rate and depth of breathing.

• Communication: Acts as a relay station for signals between the cerebellum and the cerebrum.

• Sleep Regulation: Involved in the sleep-wake cycle and REM sleep.

• Facial Sensation and Movement: Contains nuclei for cranial nerves that control facial muscles and sensations.

Reticular formation

located in the brainstem, extending from the medulla oblongata through the pons and into the midbrain.

• Regulates arousal and consciousness.

• Plays a role in sleep-wake cycles.

• Involved in filtering incoming stimuli to discriminate irrelevant background stimuli.

• Contributes to motor control and coordination.

Thalamus

located in the brain, specifically at the top of the brainstem, near the center of the brain. It acts as a relay station for sensory information, processing and transmitting signals from the body to the cerebral cortex. It plays a crucial role in regulating sleep, alertness, and consciousness.

Cerebellum

located at the back of the brain, beneath the occipital lobes and behind the brainstem.

• Coordination of Movement: It helps in the smooth execution of voluntary movements.

• Balance and Posture: It maintains balance and posture by adjusting muscle activity.

• Motor Learning: It plays a role in learning motor skills and adapting movements based on experience.

• Cognitive Functions: Involved in some cognitive processes, including attention and language.

amygdala

almond-shaped cluster of nuclei located deep within the temporal lobe of the brain. It plays a crucial role in processing emotions, particularly fear and pleasure.

Example: The ___is activated when a person encounters a threatening situation, triggering a fight-or-flight response.

hypothalamus

area of the brain that produces hormones that control the body temperature, heart rate, hunger.

Example: When you’re dehydrated, the ___ signals thirst and releases the hormone vasopressin, which helps the kidneys conserve water

hippocampus

small curved structure located in the medial temporal lobe of the brain. It helps in memory formation and spatial navigation.

Example: When learning a new route to work the ___ will help encode that info which helps you to recall that route later.