The brain ch 3 Psychology

Pierre Flourens

A psychologist who performed brain surgery on animals to study brain functions.

Ablation

The process of destroying part of an animal's brain to determine which functions are impaired.

Localization of function

The theory that specific parts of the brain are responsible for controlling specific functions.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

A technique that records electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the skull.

fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A brain imaging technique that detects active parts of the brain and provides detailed 3-D images.

PET (Positron Emission Tomography)

A scanning method that uses radioactive injections to show bio-chemical activity in the brain.

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)

A method that uses magnetic pulses to disrupt functioning in specific areas of the brain.

Optogenetics

A technique that uses light to control neurons that have been genetically modified to be light-sensitive.

Pons

Part of the brain that acts as a bridge between the medulla and the rest of the brain, coordinating movement.

Medulla Oblongata

The portion of the brain that controls critical body functions such as breathing and heart rate.

Reticular Formation

A network of neurons running through the medulla and pons that regulates arousal and alertness.

Cerebellum

The brain structure that controls balance, coordination, and motor skills.

Thalamus

The brain’s chamber that relays sensory information, excluding smell.

Hypothalamus

A brain region that maintains homeostasis and regulates essential survival behaviors.

Amygdala

A structure that is involved in emotional experiences and the emotional significance of memories.

Hippocampus

A region of the brain associated with learning and memory.

Olfactory Bulb

The part of the brain responsible for the sense of smell.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain responsible for sophisticated information processing.

Sulci

Grooves or fissures on the surface of the brain.

Gyri

Peaks or ridges on the surface of the brain.

Frontal Lobe

A brain region involved in motor control and higher cognitive functions.

Parietal Lobe

The area of the brain that processes sensory information.

Temporal Lobe

The brain lobe that processes auditory information.

Wernicke's Area

An area of the brain important for speech comprehension.

Broca's Area

Region of the brain involved in speech and language production.

Broca's Aphasia

A type of aphasia characterized by difficulty in speaking.

Wernicke's Aphasia

A type of aphasia characterized by difficulty in understanding language.

Occipital Lobe

The lobe of the brain responsible for processing visual information.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to change and reorganize itself throughout life.

Lateralization

The dominance of one hemisphere of the brain in specific functions.

Corpus Callosum

The structure that connects the two hemispheres of the brain.

Gazzaniga's Split-Brain Experiment

Research showing how the two hemispheres of the brain communicate and process information.

Left Hemisphere

The side of the brain that controls the right side of the body and is associated with language functions.

Right Hemisphere

The side of the brain that controls the left side of the body and is associated with spatial abilities.

Split-Brain Syndrome

A condition resulting from the severing of the corpus callosum, affecting communication between brain hemispheres.

Hydrogel-embedding Methods

Techniques used in neuroscience for embedding biological tissues in hydrogel for imaging.

Neuropixels

Advanced technology for measuring brain activity on a smaller scale.

Basic Functions of the Central Core

Includes essential life processes like eating and sleeping, common to all vertebrates.

Functions of the Limbic System

Regulates emotions and drives related to survival, including eating and reproduction.

Role of Association Areas

Involved in higher mental processes such as thought, language, memory, and speech.

Topographical Organization

The organization of the brain areas such that related areas are spatially close to each other.

Penfield's Work

Research on brain stimulation during surgery that provided insights into brain functioning.