AP Psychology- The Brain

Lesion

A region of tissue that has been damaged or diseased, often investigated to understand brain function by observing the effects of the damage on behavior and cognition.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A test that measures electrical activity in the brain by placing electrodes on the scalp, often used to diagnose conditions like epilepsy and sleep disorders.

CT Scan

A medical imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of the brain and other body structures, often used to identify tumors, bleeding, and other abnormalities.

PET Scan

A type of imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive material to visualize brain activity, helping to diagnose conditions such as tumors and Alzheimer's disease.

MRI Scan

A medical imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain and other internal structures, often used to diagnose a variety of neurological conditions.

fMRI

A type of test that measures and maps brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow, often used in research and clinical settings to study brain function.

Brain Stem

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

Medulla

The lower part of the brain stem that controls autonomic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and reflexes.

Reticular Formation

A network of neurons located in the brainstem that plays a crucial role in regulating arousal, attention, and sleep-wake cycles.

Pons

The part of the brainstem situated above the medulla that regulates vital functions including sleep, respiration, swallowing, and is involved in relaying messages between different parts of the brain.

Thalamus

The brain's relay station that processes and transmits sensory information to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain located at the back of the skull responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, balance, and motor skills.

Limbic System

A group of structures in the brain involved in emotion, memory, and motivation, including the hippocampus and amygdala.

Amygdala 

A small almond-shaped structure in the brain that plays a key role in processing emotions, particularly fear and pleasure.

Hypothalamus

A tiny but crucial brain region that regulates various bodily functions, including temperature control, hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms. It also plays a significant role in hormonal control by influencing the pituitary gland.

Hippocampus

A major component of the limbic system, the hippocampus is primarily associated with short- and long-term memory.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain, responsible for higher brain functions including thought, reasoning, and memory. It is divided into four lobes: frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal.

Glial Cells

Supportive cells in the nervous system that provide insulation, nutrients, and structural support to neurons. They play a critical role in maintaining homeostasis and modulating signal transmission.

Left Hemisphere 

Hemisphere of the brain primarily responsible for language processing, analytical thinking, and controlling the right side of the body.

Right Hemisphere

Hemisphere of the brain is primarily responsible for creativity and controlling the left side of the body.

Brain Lateralization

The process by which the two hemispheres of the brain develop different functions and abilities. It affects various cognitive processes such as language and spatial awareness.

Frontal Lobes

The regions of the brain located at the front, responsible for higher cognitive functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, and controlling behavior.

Parietal Lobes

Located at the top of the brain and are responsible for processing sensory information, including touch, temperature, and pain, as well as spatial orientation and body awareness.

Occipital Lobes

Located at the back of the brain and primarily responsible for processing visual information, including color, shape, and motion.

Temporal Lobes

Located on the sides of the brain and are involved in processing auditory information, language comprehension, and memory formation.

Somatosensory Cortex

Located in the parietal lobe and is responsible for processing sensory information related to touch, proprioception, and nociception.

Motor Cortex

Located in the frontal lobe and is responsible for planning, controlling, and executing voluntary motor movements.

Auditory Cortex

Located in the temporal lobes and is responsible for processing auditory information such as sound recognition and localization.

Association Areas

Regions of the cerebral cortex that integrate information from different senses and are involved in complex mental functions, such as perception, reasoning, and decision-making.

Broca’s Area

A region in the frontal lobe associated with speech production and language processing. It plays a crucial role in forming coherent speech and language expression. (speaking + writing)

Wernicke’s Area

A region in the temporal lobe crucial for language comprehension and processing. (hearing + reading)

Aphasia

A language disorder resulting from damage to specific brain areas, affecting speech production or comprehension.

Brain Plasticity

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

Corpus Callosum

The large bundle of nerve fibers connecting the left and right cerebral hemispheres, facilitating communication between them.

Split Brain Research

Research examining the effects of severing the corpus callosum, often to alleviate epilepsy, and its impact on cognition and behavior.