AP Psychology - Gunning - 3-2

Plasticity

the brain's ability to change by reorganizing after damage

Neurogenesis

the formation of new neurons

Cerebral Cortex

the intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells that covers the cerebral hemispheres

Temporal Lobe

the portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ear

Frontal Lobe

the portion of the cerebral cortex behind the forehead, involved in personality, intelligence, and the control of voluntary muscles

Parietal Lobe

the portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and toward the rear

Occipital Lobe

the portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head

Sensory Cortex

area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes body touch and movement sensations

Motor Cortex

an area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements

Association Areas

areas of the cerebral cortex that are not involved in primary motor or sensory functions, they are involved in higher mental functions

Aphasia

impairment of language, usually caused by left hemisphere damage either to Broca's area (impairing speaking) or to Wernicke's area (impairing understanding).

Wernicke's Area

controls language reception (understanding)

Broca's Area

Controls language expression (speaking)

Corpus Callosum

the large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres and carrying messages between them

Split Brain

a condition resulting from surgery that isolates the brain's two hemispheres by cutting the corpus callosum

Dual Processing

the principle that information is often simultaneously processed on separate conscious and unconscious tracks

Corticalization

an increase in the relative size of the cerebral cortex

Lateralization

differences between the two sides of the body, especially differences in the abilities of the brain hemispheres

Agnosia

loss of ability to recognize importance of sensory impressions

Dominant Hemisphere

a term usually applied to the side of a person's brain that produces language

Prefrontal Area (Prefrontal Cortex)

the very front of the frontal lobes; involved in the sense of self, executive functions, and planning

Mirror Neuron

a neuron that becomes active when a motor action is carried out and when another organism is observed carrying out the same action

Acetylcholine (ACh)

a neurotransmitter mainly involved in muscle action, cognitive functioning, and memory

Dopamine (DA)

a neurotransmitter mainly involved in voluntary movement, emotions, motivation, and learning

Serotonin

a neurotransmitter mainly involved with sleep, mood, and apetite

Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA)

a neurotransmitter that primarily inhibits neurons

Glutamate

a neurotransmitter that primarily excites neurons

Endorphins

a neurotransmitter mainly involved in pain reduction and pleasure

consciousness

an alert cognitive state in which you are aware of yourself and your situation