The Brian (2_19_25)

Cerebrum

Largest part of the brain, responsible for voluntary activities and complex cognitive functions.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the cerebrum involved in many high-level functions including perception, thought, and decision-making.

Thalamus

The brain's sensory switchboard that directs messages to the appropriate areas in the cortex.

Corpus Callosum

A thick band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Hypothalamus

Regulates bodily functions and motivated behaviors such as hunger, thirst, and aggression.

Pituitary Gland

The endocrine gland connected to the hypothalamus that releases hormones influencing various bodily functions.

Pons

Part of the brainstem that regulates sleep and arousal.

Cerebellum

Coordination center for voluntary movements, balance, and motor learning.

Reticular Activating System

Network of neurons in the brainstem that regulates wakefulness and sleep-wake transitions.

Medulla

The part of the brainstem that controls vital functions like heart rate and breathing.

Phrenology

A discredited theory that bumps on the skull reflect mental abilities and character traits.

Brain Lesion

An area of tissue that has been damaged or destroyed in the brain, often used in studies to explore brain function.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

A non-invasive technique that measures electrical activity in the brain through the scalp.

PET (Positron Emission Tomography)

A non-invasive imaging technique that measures brain activity using a radioactive tracer.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A non-invasive imaging technique that uses powerful magnets to generate detailed images of body tissues.

fMRI (Functional MRI)

A type of MRI that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

A non-invasive technique that applies magnetic fields to stimulations regions of the brain.

Frontal Cortex

Part of the brain involved in decision-making, problem-solving, and controlling social behavior.

Motor Cortex

Region of the frontal lobe involved in planning and executing voluntary movements.

Somatosensory Cortex

Region of the parietal lobe that processes sensory information from the body.

Insular Cortex

Part of the brain that is associated with taste, disgust, and emotional bodily sensations.

Basal Ganglia

Set of structures that help coordinate movement and are involved in reward processing.

Hippocampus

Critical for forming long-term memories, located in the limbic system.

Amygdala

A region of the brain involved in emotional responses, particularly fear and aggression.