Brain Parts

Localization of Function

The theory that specific parts of the brain are responsible for certain behaviors and cognitive processes

Distributive Processing

The theory that several parts of the brain work together to create and retrieve memories

Connectome

A map of neural connections in the brain

Brain Stem

Regulates life functions (breathing, heart rate, blood pressure)

Why is the brain stem not usually studied in psychology?

The brain stem is known to regulate biological processes rather than behavioral processes, so it is not often studied in psych.

Cerebellum

Controls balance, motor functions, speech, and learning through classically trained responses

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain associated with high brain functions (thought, action)

Cerebral Cortex

The gray matter that covers the cerebrum

What are the 4 lobes that scientists have “split” the cerebrum into?

Frontal, occipital, parietal, temporal

Frontal Lobes

Responsible for executive functions like planning, decisions, arguments

Motor Cortex

Responsible for planning, controlling, and executing voluntary movement (sports, dance)

Somatosensory Cortex

Receives information from our movement and what we are sensing (taste, temperature)

Parietal Lobes

Responsible for the perception of stimuli (taste, temperature, all senses) as well as supporting reading and arithmetic

Occipital Lobes

Responsible for processing images from the eyes and linking them to memories

Temporal Lobes

Top part receives information from ears and underside plays a large part in forming and receiving memories (especially involved with music). Also integrates memories with our senses.

What is the Limbic system? Which brain parts are part of it?

“The emotional brain” that is often researched in psych, which includes the amygdala, basal ganglia, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and nucleus accumbens.

Amygdala

Involved in the formation of traumatic/emotional memories and fear responses

Basal Ganglia

Involved in habit-forming and procedural memory as it relates to motor control

Hippocampus

Responsible for the transfer of memories from short-term to long-term

Hypothalamus

Involved in homeostasis, pituitary gland (hormones), emotion, thirst, hunger, circadian rhythms, and control of the automatic nervous system - essentially, automatic “warnings” necessary to preserve our health

Nucleus Accumbens

Involved in motivation and addiction

Plasticity

The brain’s ability to alter its own structure following changes within the body or external environment; the rearrangement of neuron connections

Dendritic Branching

The process of neuron dendrites increasing in number and connecting to other neurons when we learn new information, creating new traces in the brain

What are the two types of localization and their definitions?

Strict Localization: Clear correspondence between a function and a brain area

Weak Localization: Brain area may be responsible for the function, but not exclusively

Widely Distributed Function

A function that multiple parts throughout the brain are responsible for