Neuroscience Study Guide: Brain Structure and Functions

Neuroscience

the scientific study of the nervous system, its functions, and its disorders

Neuron

The basic cell that makes up the nervous system, able to send and receive messages.

Dendrites

Branchlike structures of a neuron that receive messages from other neurons.

Axon

Tubelike structures of a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body

Neurotransmitter

a chemical messenger that carries signals between nerve cells, muscles, or glands

Synapse

The places where neurons connect and communicate with each other

Cerebral cortex

Controls complex thought processes.

Medulla

A part of the hindbrain that controls heartbeat, breathing and swallowing

Pons

Relays messages between the cerebellum and the cortex.

Spinal Cord

Responsible for reflexes and carries messages up to the brain.

Cerebellum

Controls balance and maintains muscle coordination.

Thalamus

Relays information from sensory organs to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

Regulates the amount of fear, thirst, sexual drive, and aggression we feel.

Reticular formation

Controls arousal and attention.

Corpus Callosum

Connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Hippocampus

helps with learning and memory

Pituitary Gland

Regulates other endocrine glands.

Amygdala

Responsible for fear responses and memory of fear.

Occipital Lobe

Processes visual information including color, shape, and movement

Parietal Lobe

Interprets touch, pain, temperature, and spatial awareness.

Temporal Lobe

Processes sound, speech, and memory.

Frontal Lobe

Controls decision-making, problem-solving, personality, and voluntary movement

Why is out brain wrinkly?

To increase surface area for more neurons, allowing for higher intelligence and complex thinking.

PET Scan

A scan used for cancer detection, brain function, and heart disease

EEG Scan

a scan used to diagnose epilepsy, sleep disorders, and brain abnormalities

CT

Uses x-rays to detect injuries, tumors, and internal bleeding

MRI Scan

Used for detecting tumors, strokes, and spinal injuries

Roger Sperry’s Split brain theory

suggests that the left and right hemispheres of the brian have different functions and can operate independently when the corpus callosum is severed.