Section 3.3: Studying the Brain, Older Brain Structures, and the Limbic System - Terms

Lesion

A damaged or abnormal area of tissue in the body, often used to describe damage to the brain or nervous system.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A test that measures the electrical activity of the brain by placing electrodes on the scalp to detect brainwave patterns.

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

A technique that measures the magnetic fields produced by brain activity to study neural functioning in real-time.

CT (computer tomography) scan

A medical imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body, including the brain.

PET (positron emission tomography) scan

A type of imaging that uses radioactive substances to visualize and measure brain activity, blood flow, and other processes in the body.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

A non-invasive imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of organs and tissues, including the brain.

fMRI (functional MRI)

A type of MRI that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow and oxygenation in response to neural activity.

Brain stem

The part of the brain that connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls vital functions like heart rate, breathing, and sleep cycles.

Medulla

The lower part of the brainstem that controls autonomic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Thalamus

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

Reticular formation

A network of neurons in the brainstem involved in regulating sleep, alertness, and arousal.

Cerebellum

A brain structure located at the back of the head that coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and motor control.

Limbic system

A group of structures in the brain involved in emotions, memory, and behavior regulation, including the amygdala and hippocampus.

Amygdala

An almond-shaped structure in the brain involved in processing emotions, particularly fear, and emotional memory.

Hypothalamus

A small brain region that regulates vital functions like temperature, hunger, thirst, and the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.

Hippocampus

A brain structure involved in forming and storing long-term memories and spatial navigation.