Module 11 — Endocrine System & Brain Research

Endocrine system

The body’s slower chemical communication system; glands release hormones into the bloodstream.

Hormones

Chemical messengers made by endocrine glands that travel through the bloodstream and affect other tissues.

Adrenal gland

Endocrine glands located above the kidneys that release epinephrine and norepinephrine, helping arouse the body during stress.

Pituitary gland

The endocrine system’s most influential gland; controlled by the hypothalamus and regulates growth and other endocrine glands.

Lesion

Destruction of tissue; a brain lesion is naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue.

EEG

A recording of the brain’s electrical activity using electrodes placed on the scalp.

MEG

Brain-imaging technique that measures the magnetic fields produced by the brain’s electrical activity.

CT scan / CAT scan

Uses X-rays from different angles combined by computer to create images of brain structure.

PET scan

Shows brain activity by tracking where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a task.

MRI

Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed computer-generated images of soft tissue/brain anatomy

fMRI

Shows brain function and structure by detecting changes in blood flow during brain activity.