PET (positron emission tomography scan)
a visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
a technique that uses magnetic fileds and radio waves to produce computer generated images that distinguish among different types of soft tissue; allows us to see structures within the brain
fMRI (functional MRI)
a technique for revealing blood flow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive ___ scans. MRI scans show brain anatomy; ____ scans show brain function.
brainstem
The oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; the _________ is responsible for automatic survival functions
medulla
the base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing
reticular formation (RAS)
a nerve network in the brainstem that plays an important role in controlling arousal; extends from spinal chord to thalamus; filters incoming stimuli
thalamus
the brain's sensory switchboard, located on top of the brainstem; it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla
cerebellum
the "little brain" attached to the rear of the brainstem; its functions include processing sensory input and coordinating movement output and balance
limbic system
A doughnut-shaped system of neural structures at the border of the brainstem and cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions such as fear and aggression and drives such as those for food and sex. Includes the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus.
amygdala
two lima bean-sized neural clusters that are components of the limbic system and are linked to emotion
corpus callosum
the large band of neural fibers connecting that two brain hemispheres and carrying messages between them
split brain
a condition in which the two hemispheres of the brain are isolated by cutting the connecting fibers between them (mainly the corpus callosum)
plasticity
the brain's capacity for modification, as evident in brain reorganization following damage (especially in children) and in experiments on the effects of experience on brain development
Wernicke's area
controls language reception-a brain area involved in language comprehension and expression; usually in the left temporal lobe
aphasia
impairment of language, usually caused by left hemisphere damage either to Broca's area (impairing speaking) or to Wernicke's area (impairing understanding) Broca's area: controls language expression-an area of the frontal, usually in the left hemisphere,
Broca's area
controls language expression-an area of the frontal, usually in the left hemisphere, that directs the muscle movements involved in speech
association areas
areas of the cerebral cortex that are not involved in primary motor or sensory functions; rather, they are involved in higher mental functions such as learning, remembering, thinking, and speaking
sensory cortex
the area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes body touch and movement sensations; receives messages from motor cortex (input)
motor cortex
an area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements; sends messages out (output)
temporal lobes
the portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears; includes the auditory areas, each of which receives auditory information primarily from the opposite ear
frontal lobes
the portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead; involved in speaking and muscle movements and in making plans and judgments
parietal lobes
the portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and toward the rear; receives sensory input for touch and body position
occipital lobes
the portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes the visual areas, which receive visual information from the opposite visual field
glial cells
cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons, "neural nannies," "glue cells
cerebral cortex
the intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells that covers the cerebral hemispheres; the body's ultimate control and info processing center
electroencephalogram (EEG)
an amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity that sweep across the brain's surface; these waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp
lesion
tissue destruction; a brain _____ is a naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue
angular gyrus
transforms visual representations into an auditory code; damage to this leaves the person unable to speak and understand, but able to read
fissures
deep grooves or folds in the brain
hippocampus
structure in the limbic system linked to memory
Phineas Gage
Vermont railroad worker who survived a severe brain injury that changed his personality and behavior; his accident gave information on the brain and which parts are involved with emotional reasoning
hindbrain
A part of the brain located at the rear base of the skull that is involved in the basic processes of life; includes brainstem, cerebellum, medulla
forebrain
top of the brain which includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, and cerebral cortex; responsible for emotional regulation, complex thought, memory aspect of personality
hemispheric lateralization
hemispheric specialization; "right brain" vs. "left brain
Michael Gazzaniga and Roger Sperry
split brains in mice/rats/cats and showed that they weren't affected