AP Psychology module 11 vocab

Lesion

The process of purposeful tissue destruction.

EEG

An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity across the brain’s surface. Measured by electrodes placed on the scalp.

MEG

Brain imaging technique that measures magnetic fields from the brain’s natural electrical activity.

CT scan

A series of x-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computers into a composite representation of a slice of the brain.

PET scan

A visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task.

MRI

A technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer generated images of soft tissue. Shows brain anatomy.

fMRI

A technique for revealing blood flow and brain activity by computing successive MRI scans. Shows brain structure and function.

Brainstem

Responsible for automatic survival functions. Connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord.

Medulla

Controls the heartbeat and breathing.

Thalamus

The brain’s sensory control center, directing messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla.

Reticular formation

A nerve network that travels through the brainstem into the thalamus and plays a role in controlling arousal.

Cerebellum

Coordinates voluntary muscle movements, maintain balance.

Limbic system

Consists of the amygdala, hypothalamus, and hippocampus. Associated with emotions and drive.

Amygdala

Regulates emotion, memory, stress, fight or flight response.

Hypothalamus

Regulates temperature, sleep patterns, hunger and thirst, memory, and emotion.

Hippocampus

Supports memory, learning, navigation, perception of space.