The Brain

Amygdala-structure in the limbic system involved in our experience of emotion and tying emotional meaning to our memories

Auditory cortex- strip of cortex in the temporal lobe that is responsible for processing auditory info 

Broca’s Area- region in the left hemisphere that is essential for language production

Cerebellum- hindbrain structure that controls out balance, coordination, movement and motor skills, and it is thought to be important in processing some types of memory 

  Cerebral cortex- surface of the brain that is associated with our highest mental capabilities 

Computerized Tomography (CT) scan- imaging technique in which a computer coordinates and integrates multiple x-rays of a given area 

Corpus callosum- thick band of neural fibers connecting the brains two hemispheres 

Electroencephalography (EEG)- recording the electrical activity of the brain via electrodes on the scalp 

Forebrain- largest part of the brain, containing the cerebral cortex, the thalamus, and the limbic system, among other structures 

Frontal lobe- part of the cerebral cortex involved in reasoning, motor control,emotion, amd language 

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)- MRI that shows change in metabolic activity over time 

Gyrus- bump of ridge on the cerebral cortex 

Hindbrain- division of the brain containing the medulla, pons, and cerebellum

Hippocampus- structure in the temporal lobe associated with learning  and memory 

Hypothalamus- forebrain structure that regulates sexual motivation and behavior and a number of homeostatic processes; serves as an interface between the nervous system and the endocrine system 

Lateralization- concept that each hemisphere of the brain is associated with specialized functions 

Limbic System- collection of structures involved in processing emotion and memory 

Longitudinal fissure- deep groove in the brain’s cortex 

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)- magnetic fields used to produce 

A picture of the tissue being imaged 

Medulla- hindbrain structure that controls automated processes like breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate 

Midbrain- division of the brain located between the forebrain and the hindbrain; contains reticular formation 

Motor cortex- strip of cortex involved in planning and coordinating movement 

Occipital lobe-  part of the cerebral cortex involved in processing various sensory and perceptual info; contains the primary somatosensory cortex 

Pons- hindbrain structure that connects the brian and spinal cord; involved in regulating brain activity during sleep 

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan- Involves injecting individuals with a mildly radioactive substance and monitoring changes in blood flow to different regions of the brain 

Prefrontal cortex- area in the frontal lobe responsible for higher level cognitive functioning 

Reticular formation- midbrain structure important in regulating the sleep/wake cycle, arousal, alertness, and motor activity 

Somatosensory Cortex- essential for processing sensory information form across the body, such a touch, temperature, and pain 

Substantia nigra- midbrain structure where dopamine is produced; involved in control of movement 

Sulcus- depressions or grooves in the cerebral cortex 

Temporal Lobe- part of cerebral cortex associated with hearing, memory ,emotion, and some aspects of language’ contains primary auditory cortex 

Thalamus- sensory relay for the brain 

Ventral tegmental area (VTA)- midbrain structure where dopamine is produced; associated with mood, reward, and addiction 

Wernicke’s area- important for speech comprehension