Brain Structures and Neural Communication Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the review sheet covering brain structures, evolutionary hierarchy, cortical lobes, language areas, neural transmission, and neurotransmitters.

Evolutionary Order of Brain Regions

The sequence of brain regions from oldest to newest in brain evolution: brainstem, limbic system, and cerebral cortex.

Thalamus

The brain structure that acts as a sensory switchboard, receiving information from all senses except smell and relaying visual information from the eyes to the visual cortex.

Reticular Formation

A nerve network located inside the brainstem that plays an important role in controlling arousal.

Medulla

The base part of the brainstem that controls critical involuntary functions such as heartbeat and breathing.

Cerebellum

The 'little brain' attached to the rear of the brainstem that coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and motor activities.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A brain imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of structures within the brain.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

A brain research technique that monitors the brain's usage of glucose to display brain activity.

Hippocampus

A component of the limbic system that plays an essential role in the processing and formation of new memories.

Longitudinal Fissure

The long crack or groove in the cerebral cortex that separates the right and left hemispheres.

Amygdala

A component of the limbic system linked to emotion, particularly fear, anger, and violent aggression.

Corpus Callosum

A broad band of neural fibers connecting the right and left cerebral hemispheres, allowing them to communicate.

Motor Cortex

An area located in the frontal lobes that controls voluntary muscle movements.

Temporal Lobes

The lobes of the cerebral cortex located above the ears that process auditory information and contain Wernicke's area.

Occipital Lobes

The lobes at the back of the head that receive and process visual input from the eyes.

Broca's Area

A region in the left frontal lobe that directs the muscle movements involved in speech production.

Somatosensory Cortex

An area located in the parietal lobes that registers and processes touch and body sensations.

Wernicke's Area

A region in the left temporal lobe involved in language comprehension and understanding.

Plasticity

The brain's capacity to modify itself and take over functions of damaged brain areas, which is highest in young children.

Frontal Lobes

The portion of the cerebral cortex involved in planning, decision-making, judgment, and directing muscle movements.

Limbic System

A doughnut-shaped neural system that includes the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus, associated with emotions and drives.

Sequence of Neural Transmission

The correct order of an action potential traveling through a neuron: dendrite, cell body (soma), axon, and axon terminals.

Action Potential

A brief electrical charge that travels down an axon.

Refractory Period

A resting period after a neuron fires, during which another action potential cannot take place until the neuron recharges.

All-or-None Principle

A neuron's reaction of either firing at full strength or not firing at all.

Synapse

The tiny junction or gap between the axon terminal of the sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving neuron.

Axon Terminals

The specialized endings of an axon that release neurotransmitters across the synaptic gap.

Dendrites

The branching extensions of a neuron that receive incoming messages and conduct impulses toward the cell body.

Neurotransmitter

A chemical messenger released from an axon terminal into a synapse to transmit signals across neurons.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that significantly affects sleep, mood, hunger, and arousal.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter linked to movement, learning, and attention; excessive levels are associated with schizophrenia and hallucinations.

Hypothalamus

A limbic system structure lying below the thalamus that governs body maintenance drives like eating, drinking, and body temperature.

Parietal Lobes

The lobes of the cerebral cortex containing the somatosensory cortex, responsible for receiving sensory input for touch and body position.