AP Psych Brain Project Notes

Brain Stem

The central core of the brain, responsible for automatic survival functions.

Medulla

The hindbrain structure that controls heartbeat and breathing.

Reticular Activating System

A nerve network that filters information and controls arousal.

Brain’s Reward Center

The meso-limbic system responsible for processing reward.

Cerebellum

The hind brain's structure responsible for processing sensory input and coordinating movement.

Cerebral Cortex

The intricately connected neural fabric covering the cerebral hemispheres, the ultimate control center.

Limbic System

The neural system associated with emotions and drives, located in the forebrain.

Thalamus

The sensory control center that directs messages to sensory receiving areas in the cortex.

Hypothalamus

A limbic system structure directing maintenance activities and linked to emotion and reward.

Pituitary Gland

A pea-sized gland that releases hormones like growth hormone for physical development.

Hippocampus

A neural center in the limbic system that processes explicit memories for storage.

Amygdala

Two neural clusters linked to emotion, located in the limbic system.

Corpus Callosum

A large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres.

Somatosensory Cortex

A cerebral cortex area that registers and processes body touch and movement sensations.

Motor Cortex

A cerebral cortex area that controls voluntary movements.

Broca's Area

A frontal lobe area that controls language expression for speech.

Wernicke's Area

A brain area involved in language comprehension and expression.