Psychology Ch.2.3 Vocab

Front 1

A discredited psuedoscientific theory of the brain that claimed that personality characteristics, moral character, and intelligence could be determined by examining the bumps on a person's skull.

Back 1

phrenology

Front 2

The notion that different functions are located or localized in different areas of the brain

Back 2

cortical localization

also called

localization of function

Front 3

An instrument that produces a graphic record of the brain's electrical activity by using electrodes placed on the scalp.

Back 3

electroencephalograph

Front 4

An invasive imaging technique that provides color-coded images of brain activity by tracking the brain's use of a radioactively tagged compound, such as glucose, oxygen, or a drug.

Back 4

positron emission tomography
(PET scan)

Front 5

A noninvasive imaging technique that produces highly details images of the brain using electromagnetic signals generated by the brain in response to magnetic fields.

Back 5

magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI)

Front 6

A noninvasive imaging technique that uses magnectic fields to map brain activity by measuring changes in the brain's blood flow and oxygen levels.

Back 6

functional magnetic resonance imaging
(fMRI)

Front 7

The study of the neural basis of cognitive process that integrates contributions from psychology, neuroscience, and computer science.

Back 7

cognitive neuroscience

Front 8

The development of new neurons.

Back 8

neurogenesis

Front 9

A region of the brain made up of the hindbrain and the midbrain.

Back 9

brainstem

Front 10

A region at the base of the brain that contains several structures that regulate basic life functions.

Back 10

hindbrain

Front 11

A hindbrain structure that controls vital life structures such as breathing and circulation.

Back 11

medulla

Front 12

A hindbrain structure that connects the medulla to the two sides of the cerebellum; helps coordinate and integrate movements on each side of the body.

Back 12

pons

Front 13

A large, two-sided hindbrain structure at the back of the brain; responsible for muscle coordination and maintaining posture and equilibrium.

Back 13

cerebellum

Front 14

A network of nerve fibers located in the center of the medulla the helps regulate attention, arousal, and sleep.

Back 14

reticular formation

also called

reticular activating system

Front 15

The middle and smallest brain region, involved in processing auditory visual sensory information.

Back 15

midbrain

Front 16

An area of the midbrain that is involved in motor control and contains a large concentration of dopamine-producing neurons.

Back 16

substantia nigra

Front 17

The largest and most complex brain region, which contains centers for complex behaviors and mental processes.

Back 17

forebrain

also called

cerebrum

Front 18

The wrinkled outer portion of the forebrain, which contains the most sophisticated brain centers.

Back 18

cerebral cortex

Front 19

The nearly symmetrical left and right halves of the cerebral cortex.

Back 19

cerebral hemispheres

Front 20

A thick band of axons that connects the two cerebral hemispheres and acts as a communication link between them.

Back 20

corpus callosum

Front 21

An area on each hemisphere of the cerebral cortex near the temples that is the primary recieving area for auditory information.

Back 21

temporal lobe

Front 22

An area on the back of each cerebral hemisphere that is the primary recieving area for visual information.

Back 22

occipital lobe

Front 23

An area on each hemisphere of the cerebral cortex located above the temporal lobe that processes somatic sensations.

Back 23

parietal lobe

Front 24

The largest lobe of each cerebral hemisphere; processes voluntary muscle movements and is involved in thinking, planning, and emotional control.

Back 24

frontal lobe

Front 25

A group of forebrain structures that form a border around the brainstem and are involved in emotion, motivation, learning, and memory.

Back 25

limbic system

Front 26

A curved forebrain structure that is part of the limbic systemand is involved in learning and forming new memories.

Back 26

hippocampus

Front 27

A forebrain structure that processes sensory information for all senses, except smell, and relays it to the cerebral cortex.

Back 27

thalamus

Front 28

A peanut-sized forebrain structure that is part of the limbic system and regulates behaviors related to survival, such as eating, drinking, and sexual activity.

Back 28

hypothalamus

Front 29

An almond-shaped forebrain structure that is part of the limbic system and is involved in emotion and memory.

Back 29

amygdala

Front 30

The notion that specific psychological or cognitive functions are processed primarily on one side of the brain.

Back 30

lateralization of function

Front 31

The partial or complete inability to articulate ideas or understand spoken or written language because of brain injury or damage.

Back 31

aphasia

Front 32

A surgical procedure that involves cutting the corpus callosum.

Back 32

split-brain operation

Front 33

The brain's ability to shift functions from damaged to undamaged brain areas.

Back 33

functional plasticity

Front 34

The brain's ability to change its physical structure in response to learning, active practice, or environmental influences.

Back 34

structural plasticity