POWERS OF THE MINDS

Vocabulary flashcards covering brain anatomy and function based on the lecture notes.

Neuron

The basic functional unit of the nervous system that transmits nerve impulses between brain, spinal cord, and other body parts.

Neurogenesis

The production of new neurons.

Cerebellum

A highly organized brain structure that coordinates movement, balance, and motor learning, and stores memories of automatic movements.

Brain Stem

The brain region that connects to the spinal cord and controls vital life-sustaining functions such as breathing, heart rate, and digestion.

Cerebrum

The largest brain region (~85% of brain weight) with four lobes; responsible for thinking, learning, sensing, integration, and voluntary actions.

Parietal Lobe

Helps understand what you see and feel.

Frontal Lobe

Determines personality and emotions.

Occipital Lobe

Responsible for visual processing.

Temporal Lobe

Responsible for hearing and word recognition.

Amygdala

Emotional center of memory; processes fear and emotional responses.

Hippocampus

Consolidates learning and converts information into long-term storage.

Thalamus

Involved in cognitive activities including memory.

Hypothalamus

Modulates vital body functions such as sleep, body temperature, hunger, and hormone release.

Limbic System

A group of brain structures involved in emotion, memory, and motivation.

Reticular Activating System (RAS)

Located in the brain stem; regulates alertness and arousal.

Dendrite

Receives messages from other neurons; branches at the ends of neurons.

Axon

Transmits signals to other neurons or organs.

Cell Body

Contains the nucleus and produces molecules needed for neuron survival and function.

Synapse

The gap between neurons where neurotransmitters cross to transmit signals.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter involved in attention, memory, cognition, and reward.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that help relieve stress and pain and promote a sense of well-being.

Lateralization

The idea that certain cognitive processes are dominant in one brain hemisphere; each hemisphere processes information differently.

Left Brain Dominance

Tendency to rely on logical, analytical thinking; associated with language and detail-oriented tasks.

Right Brain Dominance

Tendency to rely on creative, holistic thinking; associated with spatial abilities and intuition.