Brain Anatomy and Endocrine System

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing the anatomical structures and cortical regions of the brain, associated language and sensory centers, and key hormones of the endocrine system.

Brainstem

Responsible for automatic survival functions.

Medulla

Controls heart rate and breathing.

Reticular activating system

A network of neurons in the brainstem that regulates arousal.

Cerebellum

Coordinates voluntary muscle movement and balance.

Cerebral cortex

The body's ultimate control and info-processing center.

Hemispheres

Either of the symmetrical halves of the cerebrum.

Limbic system

Neural system in the forebrain that is associated with emotions and drives.

Thalamus

Relays all sensory (not smell) and motor signals to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

Directs maintenance activities such as hunger and thirst.

Pituitary gland

Controls the endocrine system.

Hippocampus

Processes explicit memories, such as facts and events.

Amygdala

Processes emotional reactions, especially aggression and fear.

Corpus callosum

Nerve fibers that connect the cerebral hemispheres.

Occipital lobes

Controls visual info processing.

Temporal lobes

Controls auditory and linguistic processing.

Parietal lobes

Processes sensory info for touch and body position.

Association areas

Areas in the cerebral cortex not involved in motor or sensory functions; involved in higher mental functions.

Somatosensory cortex

Registers body touch and movement sensations.

Frontal lobes

Control higher order thinking and executive functions.

Prefrontal cortex

Helps with attention, planning, working memory, and expression of emotions.

Motor cortex

Controls voluntary movements.

Broca's area

Helps control language expression through muscle movements.

Wernicke's area

Involved in language comprehension and expression.

Aphasia

Impairment of language due to damage of Broca or Wernicke areas.

Hormones

Chemical messengers that are made by the endocrine glands and affect other tissues.

Adrenaline

A hormone that triggers fight or flight reactions.

Leptin

A hormone that tells the brain about food intake.

Ghrelin

A hormone secreted by endocrine cells that stimulates appetite.

Melatonin

A hormone that regulates sleep and wake cycles.

Oxytocin

A hormone that is linked with physical contact and pregnancy.