Unit 1: The Brain and the brain function

Lesions

Precise destruction of brain tissue enabling systematic study of function loss after surgical removal or damage.

EEG (electroencephalogram)

An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity sweeping across brain survace from electrodes placed on the scalp.

Evoked potentials

Changes in brain's electrical activity recorded in response to specific stimuli.

PET (positron emission tomography)

Imaging technique producing color images based on metabolic activity in the brain. Displays where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task

Functional MRI (fMRI)

A type of MRI that records changes in blood oxygen levels to show brain activity. Succesive MRIs

Central nervous system

Consists of the brain and spinal cord. Body’s decision makers

Peripheral nervous system

sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body. Gathers info and transmits cns decisions to other body parts

Somatic nervous system

Part of the peripheral nervous system that contains motor neurons for voluntary muscle control. Controls bodys skeletal muscles

Autonomic nervous system

Part of the peripheral nervous system regulating involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion.

Sympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic system responsible for the fight-or-flight response. arouses the body

Parasympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic system that promotes calmness and conserving its energy

Medulla oblongata

Regulates vital functions such as heart rhythm and breathing.

Cerebellum

Controls balance, posture, and coordination of movements.

Thalamus

Located on top of the brainstem, directs messages to sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla. Deals with seeing, hearing, tasting, and touching NOT smell

Hippocampus

A key area of the brain involved in the formation of long-term memories.

Neuron

The basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system responsible for transmitting signals.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.

Dopamine

Inhibitory A neurotransmitter involved in pleasurable sensations voluntary movement, attention and learning

Glutamate

The main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, crucial for synaptic plasticity and memory. Too much= migraines

Serotonin

Inhibitory neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation, attention, hunger, sleep, wakefulness

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)

inhibitory offset excitetory messages and regulate sleep-wake cycles

Agonists

Substances that mimic neurotransmitters and activate their receptors. enhancement of activity

Antagonists

Substances that block neurotransmitter receptors, inhibiting their effects.

MEG (magnetoncephalography)

Measures magnetic fields from the brains natural electrical activity. (noninvasive)

CT (computed tomography) scan

x-ray phtographs taken from different angles, combined by a computer into a respresentation of a slice of the brain structure

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

Uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain's structure. Show brain anatomy 

FNIRs

shows infrared light on blood molecules to identify brain activity