M2L2 Brain functions & parts

lesion

Cutting into or destroying brain tissue (Think: Removing a tumor)

electroencephalogram (EEG)

Measures brain waves through electrodes that are placed on the scalp

CT (computed tomography) scan

An imaging technique that uses x-ray photographs of different angles combined with a computer to provide cross-sectional images of the body

PET (positron emission tomography) scan

An imaging technique that uses radioactive glucose to show brain activity while tasks are performed

MRI, (magnetic resonance imaging)

An imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computerized images of soft tissues

fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging)

A brain imaging technique that shows blood flow and activity by taking a succession of MRI scans

Brainstem

The oldest part of the brain responsible for the body's automatic functions

Medulla

This brain part is located at the base of the brainstem and controls heartbeat and breathing

Reticular Activating System

A bundle of nerves located in the midbrain that is responsible for controlling arousal and ability to focus attention

Thalamus

This brain part is located at the top of the brainstem stem and is responsible for sending sensory signals to different places in the brain. It's nicknamed the brain's "switchboard"

Cerebellum

This brain part is located at the rear of the brain and resembles a small brain. It's responsible for the body's balance and coordination

Limbic system

This region of the brain is the "emotion center" of the brain, consisting of the hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus

Amygdala

The part of the brain is responsible for our emotions including anger and fear.

Pons

This part of the brain sits on top of the medulla and connects information from the cerebellum to the cerebrum. It is also important for attention and facial expressions.

Hypothalamus

This part of the brain is the link between the endocrine system and the nervous system. It controls the pituitary gland letting it know when to release hormones that affect thirst, body temperature, and sex behavior.

Cerebral cortex

A layer of nerve cells that cover the the cerebral hemispheres.

Frontal lobes

The lobes at the front of the head that are responsible for higher level functions such as thinking, making plans, and judgements. Also contains mechanisms for speaking (Broca) and muscle movement (motor cortex).

Parietal lobes

The lobes at the front of the top of the head responsible for receiving sensory information (sensory cortex) for touch and body position.

Occipital lobes

The lobes at the back of the head responsible for receiving and processing visual information (visual cortex)

Temporal lobes

The lobes at the side of the head, above the head, responsible for receiving and processing sound (auditory cortex)

Motor cortex

This area is located in the frontal lobe and is responsible for processing voluntary muscle movements

Sensory cortex

This area is located in the parietal lobe and is responsible for processing sensory information including touch

Association areas

Areas of the cerebral cortex with no specific function that are involved in assisting in higher functioning such as learning and thinking

Hemispheric specialization

Distinct neurological functions that belong to each hemisphere

Aphasia

Language impairment that occurs when the language mechanisms of the brain in the left hemisphere are damaged

Broca's area

This part is located in the left frontal lobe and is responsible for language expression by controlling the muscle movements involved in speech

Wernicke's area

This part is located in the left temporal and is responsible for language reception and comprehension

Corpus callosum

A band of fibers that allow the left and right hemispheres to communicate Split brainA condition that occurs when the corpus callosum is cut discontinuing communication between the hemispheres

Plasticity

The brain's ability to create new neural pathways in the face of brain damage or new experiences especially during childhood

Linguistic Processing

the cognitive activities involved in understanding and producing language

Higher Order Processing/Executive Functioning

brain functions that include planning, problem solving, decision making, etc.

Prefrontal Cortex

part of the brain that helps in higher order processing and executive functioning

Contralateral Hemispheres

the two halves of of the brain and each of them controls the opposite side of the body

Heredity

traits going from parents to their children

Genetic Predisposition

a tendency for certain traits to be inherited

Natural Selection

the processes where plants and animals that are better suited for an area reproduce and survive more than others that are not suited for the environment or area

Eugenics

an idea trying to improve genetics in the population through selective breeding

Twin Studies

research utilizing twins

Family Study

research done with siblings, parents or children

Adoption Study

research that includes adoptive families to show relationships among genetics and environmental factors