Brain Imaging Techniques and Brain Structures - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering brain imaging techniques and core brain structures.

lesion

Destruction of brain tissue, either naturally occurring or experimentally induced.

electroencephalogram (EEG)

An amplified readout of the brain's electrical activity, recorded by electrodes on the scalp and sweeping across the brain's surface.

CT (computed tomography) scan / CAT scan

A series of X-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by a computer to create a slice of brain anatomy; can reveal brain damage.

PET (positron emission tomography) scan

A visual display of brain activity showing where a radioactive form of glucose is used while the brain performs a task.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan

A technique using magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of soft tissue, showing brain anatomy.

ventricles

Fluid-filled cavities within the brain.

fMRI (functional MRI)

A technique for revealing blood flow and thus brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans; shows brain function and structure.

brainstem

The oldest part of the brain's central core, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; responsible for automatic survival functions.

medulla

Base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing.

pons

Part of the brainstem above the medulla that helps coordinate movements.

thalamus

Brain's sensory control center; directs messages to the sensory areas of the cortex and transmits replies to the medulla and cerebellum.

reticular formation

A nerve network in the brainstem involved in controlling arousal and alertness.

cerebellum

The 'little brain' at the rear of the brainstem; processes sensory input, coordinates movement and balance, and enables certain types of learning and memory.

cerebral hemispheres

The two halves of the brain.

limbic system

A neural system located below the cerebral hemispheres, associated with emotions; includes structures like the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus.

amygdala

Two neural clusters in the limbic system linked to emotion, including aggression and fear.

hippocampus

A brain structure that processes conscious memory.

hypothalamus

A neural structure below the thalamus; directs maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temperature), helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion and reward.

reward system

Neural circuits linked to emotion and reward; dysfunction may be related to addictive disorders (reward deficiency syndrome).

What is within the Frontal Lobe?

The Broccas area and motor cortex

What is within the Parietal Lobe?

The somatosensory cortex

What is within the Occipital Lobe?

The visual cortex and angular gyrus

What is within the Temporal Lobe?

The Auditory cortex and Wernicke’s area

Angular Gyrus

Turns written language and symbols into an auditory code

Broccas Area

Coordinates speech

Wernicke’s Area

Responsible for language comprehension and processing.

Syntax Grammar

structure in a language.

Symantics Grammar

meaning in a language

Motor Cortex

Voluntary muscle movement such as thumbs mouths and faces (things we move a lot)

Somatosensory Cortex

Sensory information including touch and pain, mouth, eyelids, hands (things that are sensitive and will feel touch intensley)

Angular Gyrus

translates written language and symbols into an auditory code

Visual Cortex

Vision

Wernicke’s Area

Language comprehension

Auditory Cortex

Professes sound