module 11 (brain scans and old brain structure)

Lesion

Destruction or removal of brain tissue used to study the function of specific areas.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

Measures electrical brain waves to study sleep, seizures, or brain activity.

MEG (Magnetoencephalography)

Measures magnetic fields from brain activity; tracks brain function in real time.

CT (Computed Tomography) Scan

X-ray images showing brain structure; detects damage or tumors.

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan

Shows brain activity by tracking glucose use in active areas.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to show detailed images of brain structure.

fMRI (Functional MRI)

Shows brain activity and blood flow; reveals which parts are active during tasks.

Brainstem

Oldest part of the brain; controls automatic survival functions and connects spinal cord to brain.

Medulla

Base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing.

Pons

Located above medulla; coordinates movement and helps regulate sleep.

Reticular Formation

Nerve network in brainstem; controls arousal and alertness.

Thalamus

Brain’s sensory “switchboard”; sends sensory info (except smell) to the correct brain regions.

Cerebellum

“Little brain” at back of brainstem; controls balance, coordination, and implicit (unconscious) memory.

Limbic System

Neural system between the brainstem and cerebral hemispheres; controls emotion, drives, and memory.

Amygdala

Two almond-shaped clusters in the limbic system; linked to fear, anger, and aggression.

Hypothalamus

Lies below the thalamus; regulates hunger, thirst, body temperature, sexual behavior, and reward; maintains homeostasis; controls pituitary gland.

Hippocampus

Processes conscious (explicit) memories and helps form new memories; damage causes difficulty forming new memories.

Homeostasis

The body’s tendency to maintain a balanced internal state (temperature, hunger, etc.).

Reward Center

Brain areas, especially in the hypothalamus, that produce pleasurable sensations when stimulated.

Older Brain Structures

Include brainstem, medulla, pons, reticular formation, thalamus, and cerebellum; manage basic life functions without conscious effort.

Limbic System Structures

Include amygdala, hypothalamus, and hippocampus; manage emotion, motivation, and memory.