Comprehensive Study Guide to Brain Anatomy, Functional Specialization, and Neuroimaging

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering brain anatomy, imaging techniques, cortical lobes, localization of function, and hemisphere specialization from Psychology Module 5.

Case study

An observational technique in which one person is studied in depth.

Phineas Gage

A historical case study of a man who suffered a massive brain injury to his frontal lobe, leading to disruptive changes in his personality.

Computerized axial tomography (CT or CAT)

A scanning technique consisting of a series of X-rays taken from different angles and combined by a computer into a composite representation.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A scanning technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images distinguishing among different types of soft tissue.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity that sweep across the brain's surface.

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

A visual display of brain activity that tracks a radioactive form of glucose.

Brainstem

The oldest part and central core of the brain, located where the brain meets the spinal cord.

Medulla

The base of the brainstem that controls basic life-support functions, including heartbeat, breathing, circulation, and swallowing.

Reticular formation

A nerve network within the brainstem that controls wakefulness and arousal.

Thalamus

The brain's 'inner chamber' situated in the middle of the brain on top of the brainstem; functions as the sensory switchboard directing sensory messages to the cortex.

Cerebellum

The 'little brain' attached to the rear of the brainstem; coordinates voluntary movement and balance, and plays a role in emotions, hearing, touch, and motor memory.

Limbic System

A 'border' ring of structures at the border of the brainstem and cerebral cortex that regulates memory, fear, aggression, hunger, and thirst; includes the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala.

Hypothalamus

A neural structure lying beneath the thalamus that directs body maintenance activities (hunger, thirst, temperature, fight-or-flight reactions), emotion, pleasure, and sexual function.

Hippocampus

A neural center that wraps around the back of the thalamus and processes new memories for storage.

Amygdala

An almond-shaped neural cluster in the limbic system involved in emotional responses, such as fear and anger.

Cerebral cortex

An intricate fabric of interconnected neurons serving as the ultimate control and information-processing center; contains $20\text{--}23\text{ billion}$ neurons packed into $\frac{3}{8}\,\text{inch}$ thick tissue, alongside billions of glial cells.

Longitudinal fissure

The crevice that divides the cerebral cortex into two hemispheres.

Corpus Callosum

The large band of neural tissue connecting the two brain hemispheres and carrying messages between them.

Frontal Lobes

Portions of the cerebral cortex involved in advanced cognitive abilities such as judgement and planning; houses rational abilities that connect with the limbic system, and contains the motor cortex.

Parietal Lobes

Portions of the cerebral cortex responsible for general processing of information, mathematical reasoning, integration of memory, and housing the somatosensory cortex.

Occipital Lobes

Portions of the cerebral cortex located at the back of the brain that serve as the primary visual processing areas.

Temporal Lobes

Portions of the cerebral cortex located above the ears that contain the auditory processing areas.

Motor Cortex

A strip of tissue located on the rear edge of the frontal lobe that controls voluntary movements.

Somatosensory cortex

A strip of tissue adjacent to the motor cortex that registers and processes body touch and movement sensations.

Plasticity

The brain's ability to change, especially during childhood, by reorganizing after damage or experience.

Broca's area

An area located in the left frontal lobe that directs muscle movements involved in expressive language (speech); damage can result from a stroke.

Wernicke's area

An area located in the left temporal lobe involved with receptive language (the ability to understand what someone else says); damage affects language comprehension.

Spatial abilities

Right-hemisphere cognitive abilities to perceive and organize things in a given space, including judging distance and understanding geometric objects.

Split brain

A condition resulting from surgery that severs the corpus callosum to prevent seizures in severe epilepsy; leaves intellect and personality unaffected but produces altered perception, altered behaviors, and a lack of communication between the two hemispheres.