Unit 1. BBB Vocab Part 2

Brain Stem

Brain Stem

The lower part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord and controls vital life functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure.

Medulla

A part of the brain stem that controls autonomic functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, relaying signals between the brain and spinal cord.

RAS (Reticular Activating System)

A network of neurons in the brain stem that regulates wakefulness and sleep-wake transitions, involved in alertness and attention.

Cerebellum

A region at the back of the brain responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, balance, and motor control.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain responsible for higher-order functions like thought, reasoning, memory, and voluntary muscle movements.

Limbic System

A complex set of structures in the brain associated with emotions, memory, and arousal, including the amygdala and hippocampus.

Thalamus

A brain structure that acts as a relay station for sensory information, directing signals to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

A small brain region below the thalamus that regulates autonomic functions like temperature control, hunger, and sleep.

Pituitary Gland

The "master gland" of the endocrine system that regulates other glands and is involved in growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Hippocampus

A critical brain region associated with memory formation and spatial navigation, involved in consolidating information from short-term to long-term memory.

Amygdala

An almond-shaped cluster of nuclei in the temporal lobe that processes emotions, particularly fear and pleasure.

Corpus Callosum

A thick band of nerve fibers connecting the left and right cerebral hemispheres, allowing communication between them.

Split Brain

A condition resulting from severing the corpus callosum, leading to independent functioning of the two hemispheres.

Left vs Right

The left hemisphere is associated with logical reasoning and language, while the right hemisphere is linked to creativity and spatial ability.

Contralateral

The phenomenon where each hemisphere of the brain controls the opposite side of the body.

Frontal Lobes

Brain regions at the front responsible for higher cognitive functions like decision-making and impulse control.

Parietal Lobes

Brain regions at the top involved in processing sensory information related to touch and spatial awareness.

Temporal Lobes

Brain regions on the sides associated with processing auditory information and language comprehension.

Occipital Lobes

Brain regions at the back responsible for visual processing and interpreting visual stimuli.

Wernicke’s Area

A region in the left temporal lobe associated with language comprehension, where damage can lead to Wernicke's aphasia.

Broca’s Area

Located in the left frontal lobe, involved in speech production, where damage can lead to Broca's aphasia.

Aphasia

A language disorder affecting communication abilities due to brain damage, impairing speaking, understanding, reading, or writing.

Brain Plasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize and adapt by forming new neural connections in response to learning or injury.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

A test that records electrical activity in the brain using electrodes on the scalp, used to diagnose conditions like epilepsy.

fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A neuroimaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

Levels of Consciousness

The varying states of awareness and responsiveness, from full alertness to deep sleep or coma.

Circadian Rhythm

The 24-hour cycle of physical, mental, and behavioral changes responding to light and darkness, regulating sleep patterns and hormone release.

NREM Stages

Phases of sleep characterized by slower brain waves, including light sleep (Stage 1), moderate sleep (Stage 2), and deep sleep (Stages 3 and 4).

Hypnagogic

The transitional state between wakefulness and sleep, characterized by vivid sensory experiences.

REM (Rapid Eye Movement)

A sleep stage characterized by rapid eye movement, increased brain activity, and vivid dreams, essential for cognitive functions.

REM Rebound

The phenomenon of increased REM sleep following sleep deprivation, leading to more vivid dreams.

Activation Synthesis Theory

The theory suggesting that dreams result from the brain's attempt to make sense of random neural activity during REM sleep.

Consolidation Theory

The theory positing that sleep stabilizes and integrates memories after learning, transferring information from short-term to long-term memory.

Neural Pruning

The process during brain development where excess neurons and synaptic connections are eliminated for more efficient neural networks.

Sleep Disorders

Conditions affecting the quality, timing, and duration of sleep, leading to daytime distress or impaired

Insomnia

a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early, leading to daytime fatigue and impaired functioning.

Narcolepsy, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

- neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks.

- a sleep disorder where individuals act out their dreams due to a lack of normal muscle paralysis during REM sleep, potentially leading to injuries.

Sleep Apnea

a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to fragmented sleep and reduced oxygen levels, often resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness.

Somnambulism (sleepwalking)

a behavior disorder characterized by walking or performing complex behaviors while in a state of sleep, typically occurring during deep NREM sleep.