Module 11 - Studying the Brain, Older Brain Structures, and the Limbic System Flashcards

Lesion

The intentional or accidental destruction/removal of brain tissue to study its effects on behavior and mental processes. Helps reveal function of brain regions.

tissue destruction. A brain lesion is a naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue.

Stimulation

Activating parts of the brain electrically, chemically, or magnetically to study what behaviors or perceptions result. Used to understand function.

Optogenetics

A modern technique that uses light to control neurons that have been genetically modified to respond to light. Allows very precise control of brain activity and helps map function.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

Records electrical activity of the brain using electrodes on the scalp. Shows function (patterns of activity, brain waves).

an amplified recording of waves of electrical activity sweeping across the brain's surface. These waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp.

MEG (Magnetoencephalography)

Measures magnetic fields from natural electrical currents in the brain. Provides millisecond-by-millisecond recordings of function.

brain imaging technique that measures magnetic fields from the brain's natural electrical activity

CT/CAT (Computed Tomography) Scan

Uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the brain. Shows structure.

a series of X-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice of the brain's structure. (Also called a CAT scan)

A series of X-rays taken from different angles and converted by computer into an image that depicts a horizontal slice of brain

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan

Uses radioactive glucose to track brain activity (where the brain is using energy). Shows function.

a visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of brain anatomy. Shows structure.

a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue. MRI scans show brain anatomy.

fMRI (Functional MRI)

Detects blood flow/oxygen use in brain regions while tasks are performed. Shows both structure and function.

a technique for revealing blood flow, and therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. fMRI scans show brain functions as well as its structure.

Default Network

A network of brain regions active when the brain is at rest and not focused on specific tasks (daydreaming, internal thought). Shows how the brain works without external stimulation.

Brainstem

Oldest and innermost brain region; responsible for automatic survival functions.

the oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; the brainstem is responsible for automatic survival functions.

Medulla

Base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing.

the base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing.

Pons

Sits above the medulla; helps coordinate movement and controls sleep.

A brain structure that relays information from the cerebellum to the rest of the brain coordinates movement

Reticular Formation

A network of neurons in the brainstem; controls arousal and attention.

a nerve network that travels through the brainstem and thalamus and plays an important role in controlling arousal.

Thalamus

“Relay station” at the top of the brainstem; directs sensory information (except smell) to higher brain regions.

the brain's sensory control center, located on top of the brainstem; it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla

Cerebellum

“Little brain” at the back of the brainstem; processes sensory input, coordinates movement, and maintains balance.

the "little brain" at the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input, coordinating movement output and balance, and enabling nonverbal learning and memory.

Spinal Cord

Connects the brain to the rest of the body; responsible for reflexes and transmitting neural messages.

The Limbic System

neural system (including the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus) located below the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drive.

Amygdala

Two almond-shaped structures; involved in fear, aggression, and emotional processing.

two lima-bean-sized neural clusters in the limbic system; linked to emotion.

Hypothalamus

Lies below the thalamus; regulates bodily maintenance (hunger, thirst, body temperature, sexual behavior) and controls the endocrine system via the pituitary gland.

a neural structure lying below (hypo) the thalamus; it directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, and body temperature), helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion and reward.

Helps maintain a steady internal state
secretes hormones to trigger the pituitary gland

Hippocampus

Involved in forming and storing new explicit (conscious) memories.

a neural center in the limbic system, processes and stages explicit (conscious) memories of facts and events. Explicit memories are a form of long-term memory that you can intentionally and consciously recall.

Structure (anatomy)

CT, MRI

Both structure & function: fMRI is key.

Function (activity)

EEG, MEG, PET

Both structure & function: fMRI is key.