Textbook Section

Cerebral Cortex

The outer surface of the brain characterized by folds (gyri) and grooves (sulci) that form important landmarks for separating brain functions.

Gyri

Folds or bumps on the surface of the cerebral cortex.

Sulci

Grooves on the surface of the cerebral cortex.

Longitudinal Fissure

The prominent sulcus that separates the brain into left and right hemispheres.

Lateralization

The specialization of function in each hemisphere of the brain, particularly in language and motor control.

Corpus Callosum

A thick band of neural fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain to allow communication between them.

Broca’s Area

An area in the frontal lobe essential for language production.

Wernicke’s Area

An area in the temporal lobe important for speech comprehension.

Somatosensory Cortex

An area of the brain in the parietal lobe that processes sensory information from the body.

Thalamus

The brain's sensory relay center, routing most sensory information to appropriate areas for processing.

Hippocampus

A critical structure in the limbic system involved in learning and memory.

Amygdala

A structure in the limbic system involved in emotional responses and memory.

Prefrontal Cortex

A region of the frontal lobe associated with higher-level cognitive functions such as reasoning and impulse control.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain that controls balance, coordination, movement, and is involved in some types of memory.

Phineas Gage

A man whose frontal lobe was damaged in an accident, leading to changes in personality and impulse control.

Clive Wearing

A musician who lost the ability to form new memories due to damage to his hippocampus.

Split Brain

A condition resulting from severing the corpus callosum, leading to disruptions in communication between hemispheres.

Occipital Lobe

The lobe at the back of the brain responsible for visual processing.

Temporal Lobe

The lobe on the side of the head associated with hearing, memory, emotion, and aspects of language.

Medulla

The part of the hindbrain that controls autonomic processes such as breathing and heart rate.

Pons

The part of the hindbrain that connects different parts of the brain and is involved in regulating sleep.

Reticular Formation

A network of neurons in the midbrain important in regulating sleep, arousal, and alertness.