Psych #4, Unit 3

Plasticity

Ability of the brain to change structure and function in response to damage

Lesioning

Using a thin electrical wire to destroy specific brain cells

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Records brain-wave patterns produced by electrical activity of the surface of the brain

Computed tomography scan

(CT)

Images the brain using computer controlled X-rays of the brain; can reveal brain damage

functional MRI (fMRI)

reveals bloodflow in the brain by comparing successive MRI scans; shows brain function and structure (looks like an animated video)

positron emission tomography scan (PET)

Images the brain by injecting radioactive sugar into the patient to help create a color-coded computer image of the brain at work

Medulla

First large swelling at the top of the spinal cord; responsible for life-sustaining functions like heartbeat and breathing

Pons

Links the lower and upper brains and associated with sleep and dreaming and some coordination

reticular formation

Area of neurons in the lower brain that are responsible for alertness level, attention and arousal

Cerebellum

Lower brain structure that controls muscle memory, balance and fine motor control

Limbic System

Group of structures in the mid-brain involved in learning, emotion, memory and motivation

Thalamus

Limbic system structure that relays all sensory information (except smell) from sensory organs to the brain

Hypothalamus

Limbic system structure responsible for urges like hunger, thirst, sex and regulating homeostasis

Hippocampus

Limbic system structure responsible for the formation of new memories and recalling long-term memories

AMYGDALA!

Two pea-size limbic system structures associated with emotions like fear and aggression

Brainstem

Group of structures in the lower brain including the medulla, reticular formation and cerebellum -mostly responsible for life support

glial cells

Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish and protect neurons

Frontal lobes

Located in the front of the brain, they process higher level thinking and voluntary muscle movement (motor cortex)

Parietal lobes

Located behind the frontal lobes, they process body sensations (somatosensory cortex)

Occipital lobes

Located in the back of the brain, they process vision (visual cortex)

Temporal lobes

Located on either side of the brain they process hearing (auditory cortex)

Cerebral Cortex

Outer layer of the brain consisting of a left and right hemisphere each with four lobes (frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal)

Broca's area

Association area on the left motor cortex in the frontal lobe that is involved in making speech

Wernicke's area

Association area on the left temporal lobe involved with processing the meaning of language

Aphasia

Damage to a brain area

Endocrine System

All of the glands of the body and the hormones they produce

hormones

Chemical messengers that are produced by glands and travel through the bloodstream

adrenal glands

Located just above the kidneys, they secrete stress hormones (adrenaline, epinephrine and norepinephrine) that arouse the body for action

pituitary gland

Our "master gland" located in the limbic system, it regulates growth and controls all other glands

corpus callosum

the large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres and carrying messages between them; this is severed in split brain patients

dual processing

the principle that information is often simultaneously processed on separate conscious and unconscious tracks

neural networks

networks of nerve cells that integrate sensory input and motor output