Biology and Behavior — Quick Reference

Brain Lobes & Structures

• Frontal → Thinking, planning, movement, speech → Example: Solve math, speak
• Parietal → Touch, spatial awareness → Example: Navigate room
• Temporal → Hearing, memory, emotion → Example: Remember a song
• Occipital → Vision → Example: Recognize colors
• Hippocampus → Memory → Example: Remember birthday
• Amygdala → Emotions → Example: Fear when seeing dog
• Basal Ganglia → Movement, habits → Example: Ride bike
• Thalamus → Relay sensory info → Example: Feel hot stove
• Hypothalamus → Hunger, sleep, hormones → Example: Feel sleepy at night
• Cerebellum → Balance, coordination → Example: Walk on curb
• Midbrain → Reflexes, vision, hearing → Example: Duck quickly
• Medulla → Heartbeat, breathing → Keeps alive
• Pons → Sleep & coordination → Example: Sleep well, coordinate movements

Temporal vs Parietal Stream

• Temporal → "What" → Recognize objects → Example: Identify apple
• Parietal → "Where/How" → Locate & act → Example: Reach apple without spilling

Neurons & Neurotransmitters

• Neuron → Sends messages, components: dendrite, soma, axon
• Glial cells → Support neurons
• Action potential → Electrical signal
• Neurotransmitters → Chemicals → Dopamine (pleasure), Serotonin (mood), GABA (calm)

Neuroimaging

• EEG → Brain waves → Seizures
• CT → X-ray structure → Bleeding/fracture
• MRI → Detailed structure → Tumors
• fMRI → Active brain → Task performance
• PET → Metabolism → Glucose usage
• TMS → Turn on/off brain → Study function