Chapter 13 – Brain & Cranial Nerves Exam Prep Flashcards

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the brain, cranial nerves, and memory systems, as well as functions associated with emotions and sleep.

Limbic System

The emotional brain responsible for emotions, behavior, learning, and memory.

Amygdala

The fear center of the brain that assesses danger and is involved in emotional memories.

Hippocampus

A structure that forms and stores long-term memories.

Reticular Formation

A brainstem network that controls alertness, muscle tone, and vital reflexes.

Non-REM Sleep

A sleep phase characterized by slow brain waves, associated with growth, rest, and energy renewal.

REM Sleep

A sleep phase with active brain waves, vivid dreams, and memory consolidation.

Wernicke’s Area

The region of the brain responsible for language comprehension.

Broca’s Area

The area of the brain responsible for speech production.

Cranial Nerve I (Olfactory)

The sensory nerve responsible for the sense of smell.

Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal)

A mixed nerve responsible for face sensation and chewing.

Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)

A mixed nerve responsible for facial expression, taste, tears, and saliva.

Consciousness

Awareness of sensation, voluntary movement, and higher mental processing.

Memory Encoding

The process of transferring short-term memory (STM) to long-term memory (LTM), enhanced by emotion and association.

Reticular Activating System (RAS)

A system that maintains alertness through sensory input, where low stimulation can lead to sleep.

Sleep Deprivation

The condition that impairs memory, immunity, and mood when one does not get enough sleep.