 | Term | Definition |
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brainstem |
the oldest part and central core of the brain beginning where the spinal chord enters the skull; responsible for automatic survival functions |
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medulla |
the base of the brain stem controls the life support functions like heartbeat and breathing |
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reticular formation |
a nerve network in the brain stem that plays an important role in controlling wakefullness and arousal |
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thalamus |
the brains sensory switch board located on top of the brainstem; it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex |
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cerebellum |
[latin]{little brain} attached to the rear of the brainstem, it helps coordinate voluntary movements and balance |
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case study |
an observation technique in which one person is studied in depth the hope of revealing universal principles |
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computerized axial tomography scan(ct or cat) |
a series of x-ray photographs taken form different angles and combined bycomputer in to a composite representation of a slice through the body |
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magnetic resonance imaging (mri) |
a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer generated images that distinguish among different types of soft tissue;allow us to see structures within the brain |
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electroencenphalogram (eeg) |
an amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity that sweep across the brains surface, these waves measured by electrodes placed on the scalp are helpful in evauluating brain functioning |
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positron emission tomography (pet) |
a visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain preforms a given task |
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limbic system |
a ring of structure at the border of the brainstem and cerebral cortex, it helps regulate importan functions such as memory, fear, aggression, hunger, and thirst. includes the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala. |
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hypothalamus |
a neural structure lined below the thalamus it directs maintenece activities such as eating, drinking, and body temperature and is linked to emotion |
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hippocampus |
a neural center located in the limbic system it helps process new memories; for permant storage |
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amygdala |
two almond shaped neural clusters in the limbic system that are linked to emotions such as fear and anger |
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cerebral cortex |
the intricate fabric of interconnected neural vells tha form the cerebral hemispheres the bodies ultimate control and informaiton processing center |
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longitudinal fissure |
the long crack running all the way form the front to the back of the cerebral cortex separating the left and right hemispheres |
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corpus callosum |
the large band of neural fibers that connects the two brain hemispheres and carries messages between them |
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frontal lobes |
the portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead includes the motor cortex and is involved in making plans and judgements |
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pariental lobes |
the portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and toward the rear includes the somatosensory cortex and general association areas used for processing information |
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occipital lobes |
the portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head includes the visual processin areas |
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temporal lobes |
the portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears includest he auditory areas |
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mortor cortex |
a brain are at the rear of the fromtal lobes that controls voluntary movement |
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somatosensory cortex |
a brain are at the front of the pariental lobes that registers and processess body sensations |
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broca's area |
a brain area of the frontal lobe , usually in the left hemisphere that directs movement involved in speach |
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wearnick's area |
a brain area involved in language comprehension and expression usuallly in the left temporal lobe |
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plasticity |
the brains capacity for modifications as evident in brain reorganization following damage ecspecially in childhood |
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