Brain Structures & Functions

Topic review for the Biological Bases of Behavior unit

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life, enabling adaptation and learning.

EEG 

a test that detects electrical activity in the brain using small electrodes attached to the scalp.

MRI

a medical imaging technique used to visualize internal structures of the body, including the brain, by using strong magnetic fields and radio waves.

fMRI

A type of MRI that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow, providing insights into brain function during various tasks.

Lesioning study

A research method that involves intentionally damaging specific brain areas of non-human animals to observe changes in behavior or function, helping to understand the role of those regions. (or, in the case study format, analyzing the outcomes of humans who have had brain injuries organically)

Brain stem

The part of the brain that connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord, responsible for regulating vital functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

Medulla

The lower part of the brain stem that controls vital functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

Reticular Activating System

A network of neurons in the brainstem that plays a crucial role in regulating wakefulness, arousal, and consciousness. It acts as a filter for sensory information and helps in maintaining attention and alertness.

Association Areas

Regions of the cerebral cortex that integrate sensory and motor information, enabling complex functions such as perception, thought, and language.

Cerebellum

a structure located at the back of the brain responsible for coordinating movements, balance, and posture. It plays a crucial role in fine motor control and may also be involved in cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and learning new motor skills.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain, involved in higher-level functions such as perception, reasoning, and decision-making. It is divided into lobes that each serve specific functions related to sensory and motor processing.

Limbic System

A group of interconnected structures located beneath the cerebral cortex, involved in emotion regulation, memory formation, and motivation. Key components include the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus.

Thalamus

A relay station in the brain located above the brainstem, responsible for forwarding sensory and motor signals to specific areas of the cerebral cortex for processing.

Hypothalamus

A structure that plays a vital role in regulating essential bodily functions such as temperature control, hunger, thirst, and the sleep-wake cycle. It also controls the endocrine system by influencing the activity of the pituitary gland.

Pituitary Gland

a small pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain, often referred to as the "master gland" because it regulates and releases hormones that control various bodily functions and other endocrine glands.

Hippocampus

A brain structure involved in the formation of new memories, playing a key role in learning and emotional responses; part of the limbic system

Amygdala

a small, almond-shaped structure in the temporal lobe that plays a crucial role in processing emotions, particularly fear and anxiety. It is involved in the formation of emotional memories and is part of the limbic system.

Corpus Callosum

The thick band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres, facilitating communication between them and coordinating functions.

Split-Brain Research

Studies examining the effects of severing the corpus callosum, revealing insights into the lateralization of brain function.

Lateral Specialization

The tendency for certain mental processes and functions to be more dominant in one hemisphere of the brain than the other, affecting skills such as language (left) and spatial reasoning (right).

Broca’s Area

Region of the left frontal lobe crucial for language production and expression. Aphasia resulting from damage to this area can lead to difficulties speaking and articulating words clearly.

Wernicke’s Area

Region of the left temporal lobe crucial for language comprehension. Aphasia resulting from damage to this area can lead to difficulties understanding spoken and written language.

Contralateral Hemispheric Organization

The neurological principle where each hemisphere of the brain controls the opposite side of the body. This organization affects sensory and motor functions, leading to asymmetrical processing of information.

Aphasia 

A language disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate. It can impair speaking, understanding, reading, and writing, often resulting from brain injury or damage.

Occipital Lobe

The region at the back of the brain responsible for visual processing. It interprets information from the eyes, integrating aspects like color, shape, and motion.

Temporal Lobe

The region of the brain responsible for processing auditory information and is also involved in memory and speech.

Parietal Lobe

The lobe of the brain responsible for processing sensory information, including touch, temperature, and pain, as well as spatial awareness.

Somatosensory Cortex

A region located in the parietal lobe, crucial for processing sensory input related to touch, proprioception, and pain, contributing to the perception of body sensations.

Frontal Lobe

The part of the brain associated with higher-level executive functions such as reasoning, planning, problem-solving, and controlling voluntary movements.

Prefrontal Cortex

A region in the frontal lobe involved in complex cognitive behavior, decision making, and moderating social behavior; last part of the brain to fully develop.

Motor Cortex

Region of the parietal lobe responsible for the planning, control, and execution of voluntary movements.