Unit 1: Parts of the Brain

AP psych Unit 1 brain anatomy

Twin Studies

Research that compares the similarities between identical and fraternal twins to understand the influence of genetics versus environment.

Adoption Studies

Studies that compare adopted children to their adoptive and biological parents to understand genetic and environmental influences.

Family Studies

Research that examines behavioral patterns or genetic markers across generations within families.

Heredity

The passing on of physical or mental traits genetically from one generation to another.

Genetic Predisposition

The increased likelihood of developing a particular disease or behavior based on a person's genetic makeup.

Eugenics

A controversial historical movement aimed at improving the genetic composition of the human race.

Cerebral Cortex

The outermost layer of the brain involved in high-level functions such as thought, language, and memory.

Association Areas

Parts of the brain that integrate different types of information from the senses and link it with stored memories.

Lobes of the Brain

Regions of the brain differentiated by their functions, including frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes.

Frontal Lobes

Areas of the brain involved in complex processes like reasoning, planning, and emotion.

Prefrontal Cortex

The part of the frontal lobes directly behind the forehead, involved in decision-making and self-control.

Executive Functioning

Higher-level cognitive processes including thinking, planning, and problem-solving.

Motor Cortex

The part of the brain that controls voluntary movements.

Parietal Lobes

Areas of the brain that process sensory information such as touch, temperature, and pain.

Somatosensory Cortex

A part of the parietal lobes that processes sensory input from various body areas.

Occipital Lobes

The part of the brain that processes visual information.

Temporal Lobes

Areas of the brain involved in processing auditory information and encoding memory.

Corpus Callosum

A large band of neural fibers that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres and allows communication between them.

Brainstem

The central trunk of the brain continuing downward to form the spinal cord.

Medulla

The base of the brainstem that controls vital life-sustaining functions like heartbeat and breathing.

Reticular Activating System

A network of neurons in the brainstem that plays a role in waking and sleep.

Cerebellum

A part of the brain at the back of the skull that coordinates and regulates muscular activity.

Limbic System

A complex system of nerves and networks in the brain, controlling basic emotions and drives.

Reward Center

Brain regions that regulate the experience of pleasure, particularly related to survival and reward.

Thalamus

A structure deep within the brain that relays sensory signals to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

A small region at the base of the brain that directs several functions, including temperature regulation and energy maintenance.

Pituitary Gland

A gland at the base of the brain that controls growth and development.

Hippocampus

A part of the limbic system involved in learning and memory.

Amygdala

A structure in the limbic system involved in emotion, particularly fear and aggression.

Broca's Area

Frontal lobe area directing muscle movements involved in speech.

Broca aphasia

Condition from damage to Broca's area causing impaired speaking and writing.