Brain Structure and Functions

These flashcards cover vocabulary related to brain structure and functions based on the lecture notes.

Lesioning

A technique where parts of the brain are destroyed to observe effects.

Electrical Stimulation

A method where electric current stimulates the brain to observe effects.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

A non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

A test that detects electrical activity in the brain using electrodes.

CT (Computed Tomography)

An imaging method that uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of the brain.

PET (Positron Emission Tomography)

An imaging technique that uses radioactive dye to map metabolic activity.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A technique using protons and radiofrequency pulses to examine brain structure.

fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A type of MRI that measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain involved in numerous high-level functions including perception and cognition.

Frontal Lobe

The part of the brain responsible for reasoning, planning, movement, and problem solving.

Prefrontal Cortex

The front area of the frontal lobe; involved in complex behaviors and decision making.

Motor Cortex

The cerebral cortex area responsible for planning, control, and execution of voluntary movements.

Parietal Lobe

The section of the brain responsible for processing sensory information and body awareness.

Somatosensory Cortex

The region of the parietal lobe that processes sensory input from the body.

Occipital Lobe

The brain region primarily responsible for visual processing.

Visual Cortex

The part of the occipital lobe that processes visual information.

Temporal Lobe

The brain area involved in processing auditory information and memory.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain that regulates balance and coordination of movement.

Medulla

The control center for breathing and heart rate, located in the brainstem.

Pons

A structure in the brainstem that connects different parts of the brain and regulates sleep.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, involved in higher brain functions like thought and action.

Thalamus

The brain's relay station for sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

The area of the brain that regulates autonomic functions and hormone production.

Limbic System

A complex system of structures in the brain associated with emotions and memory.