The Brain and Neuropsychology

Vocabulary flashcards for key terms in brain structure, function, and neuropsychology.

Brain

The organ in your head made up of nerves that processes information and controls behaviour.

Hemisphere

Half of the brain; the right hemisphere is on the right side and the left hemisphere is on the left.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain where higher processing happens; it includes the cortex.

Cortex

The outer layer of the brain.

Spinal cord

A pathway of nerves inside the spine, which connects the brain to the rest of the body through the peripheral nervous system.

Brainstem

The part of the brain that connects the spinal cord to the upper brain.

Frontal lobe

The area at the front of the brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control.

Temporal lobe

The area on the side of the brain that controls hearing and memory.

Parietal lobe

The area at the top of the brain that plays an important role in perception and sensations of touch.

Occipital lobe

The area at the back of the brain that controls vision.

Cerebellum

An area of the brain near to the brainstem that controls motor movements.

Lateralisation of function

The different jobs that are done by each half of the brain; each hemisphere will have different specialist roles that it performs.

Asymmetrical

The two hemispheres of the brain are not equal in terms of what they do; each hemisphere controls different functions, or plays a larger or smaller role in a particular behaviour.

Broca’s area

A part of the left hemisphere of the brain that controls speech production.

Spatial awareness

The ability to negotiate space and navigate our way around our environment.

Central nervous system (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord, which relays messages from the brain to the rest of the body to instruct it what to do.

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

The system of nerves that connect the central nervous system (mainly the spinal cord) to the skin, muscles and organs in the body.