Brain Structure and Function

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to brain structure and function.

Neuroplasticity

The ability of the brain to change and build knowledge from experiences and mishaps; Can be inhibited by brain injury or disease

Lesion

The destruction of a tiny cluster of normal or defective brain cells to observe effects on brain function.

Electroencephalograph (EEG)

An amplified readout of brain waves used to see how the brain reacts to different stimuli.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A technique that disrupts atoms using radio waves to provide a picture of the brain and show differences between brain structures.

Functional MRI (fMRI)

A method that measures blood flow to brain regions by comparing MRI scans to assess brain functioning.

Brain Stem

The part of the brain responsible for automatic survival functions.

Medulla

The part of the brain that controls heartbeat and breathing.

Reticular Formation

A structure that controls arousal and filters stimuli to relay important information to the brain.

Cerebellum

The brain structure that coordinates voluntary movement and balance.

Thalamus

The structure that receives information for all senses and routes it to necessary areas.

Pituitary Gland

The gland that controls the release of hormones.

Limbic System

A set of brain structures that controls emotions, drives, and memory.

Hypothalamus

The part of the Limbic System involved in bodily maintenance.

Hippocampus

The structure that processes conscious, explicit memories.

Amygdala

The structure that enables aggression and fear.

Corpus Callosum

The bundle of nerve fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the brain.

Occipital Lobe

The brain region responsible for processing visual fields.

Visual Cortex

The area that receives visual information.

Temporal Lobe

The region responsible for auditory fields.

Auditory Cortex

The area that receives auditory information.

Wernicke’s Area

The language processor and producer in the brain.

Parietal Lobe

The region that receives sensory input for touch and body position.

Somatosensory Cortex

The specific area in the left hemisphere that receives input from the right side of the body.

Frontal Lobe

The brain region involved in linguistic processing, muscle movements, and thinking.

Motor Cortex

The area that controls voluntary movements.

Prefrontal Cortex

The area responsible for judgments, planning, and social interactions.

Broca’s Area

The brain region that generates articulate speech.

Executive Functioning

The set of cognitive processes including working memory, mental flexibility, and self-control.

Neurogenesis

The process that produces new neurons; it can be impaired by high-fat and refined sugar diets.

Aphasia?

The loss of ability to understand or express speech, resulting in no communication.

Split brain

A condition where the left and right hemispheres of the brain are separated, often due to surgical procedure.

Split brain surgery

Procedure done when there's excessive brain activity that may lead to seizures.

What is the effect of split brain on hemispheric communication?

The condition in which there is no information shared between the left and right hemispheres.

What does the left hemisphere deal with?

The left hemisphere is associated with logic, including math and speech.

What does the right hemisphere deal with?

The right hemisphere is associated with sensory processing, creativity, and imagery.

What is contralateral control?

Contralateral control refers to the brain's use of both hemispheres.