Neuroscience Part 3: The Limbic System and Brain Structure

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding the limbic system, brain structures, their functions, and the endocrine system as discussed in the lecture notes.

Limbic System

A doughnut-shaped system of neural structures, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus, involved in emotions and memory.

Amygdala

An almond-shaped brain structure critical for emotional responses, primarily fear and anger, and important for emotional memory.

Hippocampus

A sea horse-shaped area of the brain essential for learning and memory, especially in determining the importance of experiences.

Hypothalamus

Located under the thalamus, it directs homeostasis and controls the pituitary gland as part of the endocrine system.

Endocrine System

The system of glands that release hormones into the bloodstream for slow communication throughout the body.

Pituitary Gland

Referred to as the master gland, it secretes growth hormones primarily during sleep for bodily development.

Prefrontal Cortex/Frontal Lobe

Located at the front of the brain, responsible for judgment, decision-making, and personality.

Broca's Area

A region of the frontal lobe that, when damaged, impairs the ability to make precise movements for speech.

Motor Cortex

Located at the rear of the frontal lobe, it controls voluntary movements of body parts through motor neurons.

Corpus Callosum

A bundle of nerve fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the brain, facilitating communication between them.

Left Hemisphere

Part of the brain known for logical thinking and analytical tasks.

Right Hemisphere

Part of the brain associated with creativity and holistic processing.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to modify itself by rewriting or creating new connections throughout development.

Parietal Lobe

The crown of the head, housing association areas and the somatosensory cortex for processing touch signals.

Somatosensory Cortex

Located at the front of the parietal lobe, it receives and processes touch signals from the body.

Occipital Lobe

The back region of the brain, containing the visual cortex, responsible for processing visual information.

Temporal Lobes

Located right behind the ears, these lobes contain the auditory cortex for processing sounds and Wernicke's area for interpreting speech.

Wernicke's Area

Located in the left hemisphere, this area is responsible for interpreting written and spoken language.