AP Psych Quiz 3

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

A test that detects electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp; useful for studying brain waves during sleep.

PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography)

Shows brain activity by detecting where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a task.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of brain structures.

fMRI (Functional MRI)

A type of MRI that shows both structure and real-time brain activity by measuring changes in blood flow.

CT Scan (Computed Tomography)

A series of X-ray images taken from different angles to create a cross-sectional image of the brain or body.

Definition of Consciousness

Our awareness of ourselves and our environment.

Circadian Rhythm

The body's 24-hour biological clock that regulates sleep, body temperature, and other functions.

REM Sleep (Rapid Eye Movement)

A sleep stage where vivid dreams occur; the body is paralyzed, and brain activity is high.

nREM Sleep (Non-Rapid Eye Movement)

All sleep stages except REM; includes stages 1–3 and is associated with deep sleep and body recovery.

Sleep Apnea

A sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

Activation-Synthesis Theory

A theory that dreams are the brain’s attempt to make sense of random neural activity during sleep.

Information Processing (Dream Theory)

The idea that dreams help us sort and store the day's experiences into memory.

Manifest Content

The remembered storyline of a dream (according to Freud).

Latent Content

The hidden psychological meaning of a dream (according to Freud).

Amygdala

A limbic system structure involved in emotions, especially fear and aggression.

Hippocampus

A limbic system structure crucial for forming new memories.

Thalamus

The brain’s sensory relay station; sends messages between lower brain centers and the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

Regulates basic biological drives (hunger, thirst, body temperature); controls the pituitary gland.

Cerebellum

Controls coordination, balance, and fine motor movements.

Pons

Helps regulate sleep and coordinate movement; connects upper and lower parts of the brain.

Medulla

Controls vital autonomic functions like heartbeat and breathing.

Reticular Formation

A nerve network in the brainstem important for arousal and attention.

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)

A pair of cell clusters in the hypothalamus that control circadian rhythms by responding to light.

Frontal Lobe

Involved in decision-making, problem-solving, planning, and voluntary movement.

Parietal Lobe

Processes sensory information such as touch, temperature, and pain.

Occipital Lobe

Processes visual information.

Temporal Lobe

Processes auditory information and is involved in language and memory.

Cerebral Cortex

The brain’s outer layer of neural tissue; involved in higher-level thinking, perception, and planning.

Motor Cortex

Located in the frontal lobe; controls voluntary movements.

Sensory Cortex (Somatosensory Cortex)

Located in the parietal lobe; processes touch and body sensations.