Brain Structure, Neuroplasticity, and Function (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key brain structures, their locations, and primary functions as discussed in the lecture.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural pathways; learning strengthens pathways and repetition deepens them, while nonuse can weaken or erase pathways (use it or lose it).

Brain stem

The lower part of the brain that controls basic life-sustaining functions (breathing, heart rate, digestion) and routes sensory information up and motor information down.

Medulla oblongata

Bottom part of the brain stem; regulates breathing, heart rate, and other autonomic functions; damage can be catastrophic.

Pons

Mid-level brain stem structure involved in relaying information and contributing to motor control and certain autonomic functions.

Midbrain

Top of the brain stem; coordinates motor movements and processes auditory and visual reflexes.

Cerebellum

Back of the brain; coordinates voluntary movement, balance, posture, and motor memory.

Thalamus

Relay station that sorts and forwards sensory information to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

regulates homeostasis (temperature, osmolarity, hunger, thirst, circadian rhythms) and links to the endocrine system.

Posterior pituitary

Part of the pituitary gland connected to the brain; releases hormones like antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin.

Cerebrum

Largest part of the brain; forebrain region responsible for thinking, learning, judgment, and complex processing.

Corpus callosum

A broad band of neural fibers connecting the left and right cerebral hemispheres to allow communication between them.

Basal ganglia

A group of nuclei beneath the cerebral cortex involved in motor control and regulation of movement (inhibition/excitation).

Cerebral cortex

The highly folded outer layer of the cerebrum; site of advanced cognitive functions and processing.

Frontal lobe

Lobe involved in executive functions, planning, judgment, emotional control, and voluntary movement.

Parietal lobe

Lobe that processes sensory information from the environment and contributes to spatial awareness and touch.

Occipital lobe

Lobe that primarily handles visual processing and interpretation.

Temporal lobe

Lobe important for language, hearing, and memory storage.

Somatosensory cortex

Region in the parietal lobe that processes tactile sensory information; large representation for fingers, lips, and tongue.

Motor cortex

Region in the frontal lobe that initiates voluntary movements and maps to different body parts (somatotopy).

Limbic system

Emotion and memory center of the brain, including structures like the amygdala and hippocampus.

Amygdala

Amygdaloid nucleus acting as the brain's alarm for threat; central to fear, anger, and emotional responses (relevant to anxiety and PTSD).

Hippocampus

Structure essential for conscious memory formation and storage; key in forming new memories and contextual memory.