Functions of Brain Regions and Neuron Types

Vision

Occipital Lobe

Muscle Coordination

Cerebellum

Breathing

Brain Stem (specifically, the Medulla Oblongata)

Happiness

Amygdala and Frontal Lobe

Language Understanding

Wernicke's Area (in the Temporal Lobe)

Thirst and Hunger

Hypothalamus

Speech Production

Broca's Area (in the Frontal Lobe)

Movement

Motor Cortex (in the Frontal Lobe)

Smell

Olfactory Bulb

Reasoning

Frontal Lobe

Long-term Memory

Hippocampus

Hearing

Temporal Lobe

Bodily Sensations, such as Touch, Temperature, and Pain

Sensory Cortex (in the Parietal Lobe)

Taste

Parietal Lobe (in the area for gustatory processing)

Blood Pressure Regulation

Brain Stem (specifically, the Medulla Oblongata)

Sleeping and Waking

Hypothalamus and Brain Stem

Balance

Cerebellum

Problem-solving

Frontal Lobe

Stress

Amygdala and Hypothalamus

Principal Investigator (PI)

Person in charge of a scientific research grant or clinical trial. The PI is considered the lead researcher, and their role is to manage and maintain the integrity of the study being conducted. Sometimes there is more than one PI.

Lab Manager

Person who generally oversees the lab, scheduling, ordering supplies, maintenance of equipment, and other tasks to keep the lab operating smoothly.

Lab Technicians

People responsible for carrying out the hands-on work in the lab. They may collect specimens or samples, perform tests, calibrate equipment, collect data, or other tasks based on the work or research being conducted.

Postdoctoral Students

PhD graduates continuing their education, research, and training beyond their doctoral studies.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and the spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Consists of a system of nerve cells that transmit information to and from the control center.

Neurons

A specialized cell in the nervous system that transmits information through electrical and chemical signals.

Glial Cells

Cells that perform crucial roles like providing nutrients to neurons, removing waste, maintaining the environment around neurons, and insulating axons with myelin.

Neurological Exams

Most neurological exams are physical examinations to identify signs of disorders that affect your brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Phineas Gage

A railroad worker who survived a severe brain injury in 1848 when a tamping iron pierced his skull, damaging his frontal lobe. Although he recovered physically, his personality changed dramatically, providing early evidence that the frontal lobe is involved in personality, behavior, and decision-making.

Broca's Area

A region in the frontal lobe associated with speech production. Damage to Broca's area can result in Broca's aphasia, where individuals understand language but struggle to form coherent speech, showing the role of this area in language processing.

Multipolar Neurons

The most abundant type of neuron, primarily in the CNS.

Pseudounipolar Neurons

Common in the peripheral sensory pathways. more abundant than unipolar and bipolar

Bipolar Neurons

Less common, found mainly in specialized sensory organs.

Unipolar Neurons

Rare in humans, common in invertebrates.