AP Psychology Brain Parts

Brainstem

responsible for automatic survival functions; made of the hypothalamus, pons, thalamus, medulla, reticular formation, cerebellum

Reticular Formation

a nerve network that plays a role in controlling arousal

Thalamus

sensory switchboard

Hypothalamus

AKA rewards center...maintenance activities: eating, drinking, body and temperature;

it governs the endocrine system via the pituitary gland and is linked to emotion

Medulla

heartbeat and breathing

Cerebellum

voluntary movement and balance

Limbic System

associated with emotions and drives

Hippocampus

part of the limbic system; involved in memory

amygdala

part of the limbic system; linked to emotion, especially fear and anger

Cerebral cortex

ultimate control & information processing center; it is what distinguishes us from animals

Glial cells

support, nourish & protect neurons; make up the cerebral cortex

Association Areas

parts of the cerebral cortex not involved in primary motor or sensory functions; involved in higher mental functions such as learning, remembering, thinking & speaking

Temporal Lobe

auditory areas

Parietal Lobe

includes sensory cortex

Occipital Lobe

visual areas, receives visual information from the opposite fields

Frontal lobe

speaking, muscle movements, plans & judgements

Motor Cortex

controls voluntary movements at the back of the frontal lobe

Sensory Cortex

registers and processes body sensation

Broca's Area

in the frontal lobe, in the left hemisphere; directs muscle movements involved in speech

Wernicke's area

In the left temporal lobe; involved in language comprehension and expression

Angular Gyrus

ability to read, controls word transformations into auditory code

Pons

contains centers for the control of vital processes, including respiration and cardiovascular functions. It also is involved in the coordination of eye movements and balance.

I'm about to take a test and must become focused. What part(s) of the brain would be involved?

reticular formation

Rebecca has always been afraid of spiders. Whenever she sees one or even remembers seeing one, her heartbeat increases, her breathing quickens and she immediately runs. What part(s) of the brain are active?

Brainstem, Pons, Reticular Formation, Motor Cortex, Frontal Lobe, Hippocampus, Association Areas, Cerebellum, Medulla, Brainstem, Glial Cells, Cerebral Cortex, Amygdala, Thalamus, Occipital Lobe

Jake is afraid of jumping out of a plane. What part of the limbic system is active?

Amygdala

What makes up the cerebral cortex?

Glial Cells

Jennifer has to remember all of the capitols, make a speech, and learn and think about this morning's math equation. What part of the brain is she most likely using?

The Association Areas