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Unit 3 Vocab Quiz 3
Term | Definition |
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Lesion | tissue destruction. A brain lesion is a naturally or experimentally destruction of brain tissue |
EEG | an amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity sweeping across the brain's surface. These waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp |
MEG | a brain imaging technique that measures magnetic fields from the brain's natural electrical activity |
CT scan | a series of x-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice of the brain's structure (also called CAT scan) |
Pet scan | a visual display of visual activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task |
MRI | a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer generated images of soft tissue. MRI scans show brain anatomy |
fMRI | a technique fro revealing bloodflow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. fMRI scans show brain function as well as structure. |
Brainstem | the oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; the brainstem is responsible for automatic survival functions |
Medulla | the base of the brainstem; controls heatbeat and breathing |
Thalamus | the brain's sensory control center, located on top of the brainstem; it directs messages to the sensory and receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla |
Reticular formation | a nerve network that travels through the brainstem into the thalamus and plays an important role in controlling arousal |
Cerebellum | the "little brain" at the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input, coordinating movement output and balance, and enabling nonverbal learning and memory |
Limbic system | neural system (including the amygdala, hypothalamus, and hippocampus) located below the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives |
Amygdala | two lima-bean-sized neural clusters in the limbic system; linked to emotion |
Hypothalamus | a neural structure lying below the thalamus; it directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temperature), helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion and reward |
Hippocampus | a neural center located in the limbic system; helps process for storage explicit (conscious) memories of facts and events |