Neuroplasticity

biological psychology

the scientific study of links between biological (genetic, neural, hormonal) and psychological processes. Some biological psychologists call themselves behavioral neuroscientists, neuropsychologists, behavior geneticists, physiological psychologists, or bio psychologists

levels of analysis

the differing complimentary views, from biological to psychological to social-cultural, for analyzing any given phenomenon

neuroplasticity

refers to the brain's ability to change (especially during childhood) and adapt as a result of experience. Neuro refers to neurons, the nerve cells that are the building blocks of the brain and nervous system, and plasticity refers to the brain's malleability

lesion

tissue destruction, a naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue

EEG

An electroencephalogram is a test used to evaluate the electrical activity in the brain. Brain cells communicate with each other through electrical impulses. An EEG can be used to help detect potential problems associated with this activity. An EEG tracks and records brain wave patterns. Non-invasive

CAT scan (Computerized Axial Tomography)

a sophisticated x-ray of the brain. It gives us a 3D picture of the brain which is great for locating tumors, but it does NOT show brain activity or function

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

a method used for studying the functions of the brain (or any living tissue) without surgery. For example, with a MRI, a psychologist can observe different structures in the brain by having a subject perform certain exercises or tasks

PET (Positron Emission Tomography)

produces visual display of brain activity. Computer translates signals into map of brain at work enables researchers to see what areas of brain are most active during certain tasks different scans used for different chemicals such as neurotransmitters, drugs, & oxygen flow

fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

combines elements of MRI and PET scans. shows details of brain structure with info about blood flow in the brain, linking brain structure with brain activity during cognitive tasks

Phineas Gage

large iron rod was driven through his head destroying much of his left frontal lobe. Known for injury's effect on personality and judgement

Hindbrain

the structures in the top part of the spinal cord. The hindbrain is our life support system; it controls the basic biological functions that keep us alive. Some of the important specific structures within the hindbrain are the medulla, pons, & the cerebellum.

Cerebellum

the part of the brain at the back of the skull, rear of the brainstem. Its functions include processing sensory input, coordinating movement output and balance, and enabling nonverbal learning and memory. in vertebrates. Known as little brain

Medulla

regulates heart rate and breathing

Pons

connect the hindbrain with the midbrain and forebrain. Also involved in the control of facial expressions.

Midbrain

between the hindbrain and the forebrain and integrates some types of sensory information and muscle movements. Contains the Reticular Formation

Brain stem

keeps you alive and contains the reticular activating system (RAS), which regulates arousal level, the medulla, and the thalamus.

Thalamus

connects the sensory apparatus and the higher brain. The thalamus directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla. Connects all the portions of the brain.

Forebrain

control what we think of as thought and reason. Contains the thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus and the cerebral cortex.

Limbic system

the emotional brain. It contains the hypothalamus, the amygdala, and the hippocampus.

Hypothalamus

regulates basic drives (hunger, thirst, sex). A limbic system neural structure lying below (hypo) the thalamus; it directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temperature), helps govern the endocrine system, and is linked to emotion and reward

Amgydala

regulates the primitive emotions of anger and fear. Two lima bean sized neural clusters in the limbic system; linked to emotion

Hippocampus

short term memory, a neural center in the limbic system that helps process explicit (conscious) memories of facts and events for storage

Cerebral Cortex

Long term memory stored here. This is the upper, complex brain, which is larger in humans than other animals. The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; the body's ultimate control and information processing centers. It is divided into four parts called lobes, which are divided by fissures

Frontal lobe

responsible for complex associations among other brain parts, involved in speaking and muscle movements and making plans and judgement; motor strip is also located here

Parietal lobe

holds the sensory cortex (incoming messages to the brain)

Occipital lobe

where vision is processed, and internal visualizations occur

Temporal lobe

includes the auditory areas, each receiving information from the opposite ear. responsible for speech and language in Wernicke's (comprehension of speech) and Broca's area (production of speech)

Motor Cortex

found in the frontal lobe. Responsible for outgoing messages from the brain. Controls voluntary movements

Somatosensory Cortex

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

Association Areas

areas of the cerebral cortex that are not involved in primary motor or sensory functions; rather, they are involved in higher mental functions such as learning, remembering, thinking and speaking

Corpus Callosum

The broad band of nerve fibers that connects the two hemispheres of the brain, the brain is divided left to right between hemispheres by the corpus callosum, which allows messages to pass between the two sides.

Neurogenesis

the formation of new neurons

Light side of the brain

sadder, verbal, logical, and reasoning side, skilled at making quick, literal interpretations of language

Right side of the brain

happier, intuitive, spatial, and artistic side, excels in making inferences, helps us modulate our speech, & helps us orchestrate our self-awareness

Split brain

a condition resulting from surgery that isolates the brain's two hemispheres by cutting the fibers (mainly those of the corpus callosum) connecting them

Right-left differences in the Intact Brain

when a person performs a perceptual task, a brain scan often reveals increased activity in the right hemisphere. When the person speaks or does a math calculation, activity increases in the left hemisphere