Myers' Psychology for AP®, 2E, Module 12

association areas

areas of the cerebral cortex that are not involved in primary motor or sensory functions; rather, they are involved in higher mental functions such as learning, remembering, thinking, and speaking. (p. 109)

cerebral cortex

the intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; the body's ultimate control and information-processing center. (p. 104)

frontal lobes

portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead; involved in speaking and muscle movements and in making plans and judgments. (p. 105)

glial cells (glia)

cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons; they may also play a role in learning and thinking. (p. 104)

motor cortex

an area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements. (p. 105)

neurogenesis

the formation of new neurons. (p. 112)

occipital lobes

portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes areas that receive information from the visual fields. (p. 105)

parietal lobes

portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and toward the rear; receives sensory input for touch and body position. (p. 105)

plasticity

the brain's ability to change, especially during childhood, by reorganizing after damage or by building new pathways based on experience. (p. 111)

somatosensory cortex

area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes body touch and movement sensations. (p. 107)

temporal lobes

portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears; includes the auditory areas, each receiving information primarily from the opposite ear. (p. 105)