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