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14 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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lesion |
Tissue destruction (a brain lesion is a naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue) |
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electroencephalogram |
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 |
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CT (computed tomography) 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 |
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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 |
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MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) brain scans |
use magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue |
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fMRI (functional MRI) |
a technique for revealing bloodflow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. fMRI scans can show brain function as well as its structure |
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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 |
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medulla |
the base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing |
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thalamus |
the brain's sensory control center, 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 |
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reticular formation |
a nerve network that travels through the brainstem and thalamus and plays an important role in controlling arousal |
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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 |
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limbic system |
the neural system (including the hippocampus, amygdala, and the hypothalamus) located below the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives |
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amygdala |
two lima-bean-sized neural clusters in the limbic system; linked to emotion |
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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 |
