Psychology Ch.2.3 Vocab
Terms
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- 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.
- phrenology
- The notion that different functions are located or localized in different areas of the brain
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cortical localization
also called
localization of function - An instrument that produces a graphic record of the brain's electrical activity by using electrodes placed on the scalp.
- electroencephalograph
- 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.
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positron emission tomography
(PET scan) - A noninvasive imaging technique that produces highly details images of the brain using electromagnetic signals generated by the brain in response to magnetic fields.
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magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) - A noninvasive imaging technique that uses magnectic fields to map brain activity by measuring changes in the brain's blood flow and oxygen levels.
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functional magnetic resonance imaging
(fMRI) - The study of the neural basis of cognitive process that integrates contributions from psychology, neuroscience, and computer science.
- cognitive neuroscience
- The development of new neurons.
- neurogenesis
- A region of the brain made up of the hindbrain and the midbrain.
- brainstem
- A region at the base of the brain that contains several structures that regulate basic life functions.
- hindbrain
- A hindbrain structure that controls vital life structures such as breathing and circulation.
- medulla
- 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.
- pons
- A large, two-sided hindbrain structure at the back of the brain; responsible for muscle coordination and maintaining posture and equilibrium.
- cerebellum
- A network of nerve fibers located in the center of the medulla the helps regulate attention, arousal, and sleep.
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reticular formation
also called
reticular activating system - The middle and smallest brain region, involved in processing auditory visual sensory information.
- midbrain
- An area of the midbrain that is involved in motor control and contains a large concentration of dopamine-producing neurons.
- substantia nigra
- The largest and most complex brain region, which contains centers for complex behaviors and mental processes.
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forebrain
also called
cerebrum - The wrinkled outer portion of the forebrain, which contains the most sophisticated brain centers.
- cerebral cortex
- The nearly symmetrical left and right halves of the cerebral cortex.
- cerebral hemispheres
- A thick band of axons that connects the two cerebral hemispheres and acts as a communication link between them.
- corpus callosum
- An area on each hemisphere of the cerebral cortex near the temples that is the primary recieving area for auditory information.
- temporal lobe
- An area on the back of each cerebral hemisphere that is the primary recieving area for visual information.
- occipital lobe
- An area on each hemisphere of the cerebral cortex located above the temporal lobe that processes somatic sensations.
- parietal lobe
- The largest lobe of each cerebral hemisphere; processes voluntary muscle movements and is involved in thinking, planning, and emotional control.
- frontal lobe
- A group of forebrain structures that form a border around the brainstem and are involved in emotion, motivation, learning, and memory.
- limbic system
- A curved forebrain structure that is part of the limbic systemand is involved in learning and forming new memories.
- hippocampus
- A forebrain structure that processes sensory information for all senses, except smell, and relays it to the cerebral cortex.
- thalamus
- 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.
- hypothalamus
- An almond-shaped forebrain structure that is part of the limbic system and is involved in emotion and memory.
- amygdala
- The notion that specific psychological or cognitive functions are processed primarily on one side of the brain.
- lateralization of function
- The partial or complete inability to articulate ideas or understand spoken or written language because of brain injury or damage.
- aphasia
- A surgical procedure that involves cutting the corpus callosum.
- split-brain operation
- The brain's ability to shift functions from damaged to undamaged brain areas.
- functional plasticity
- The brain's ability to change its physical structure in response to learning, active practice, or environmental influences.
- structural plasticity