AP Psych Unit 3B Flashcards

Key Terms and Concepts in Neuroscience

• Lesion: Tissue destruction in the brain which can occur naturally or be experimentally induced by scientists targeting specific areas.

• Electroencephalogram (EEG): A method to measure brain electrical activity. Electrodes on the scalp amplify and record the brain waves as they change.

• CT Scan: Utilizes multiple X-ray images taken from different angles, combined through computer technology to visualize brain structure and identify damage.

• PET Scan: Visualizes brain activity by tracking the movement of radioactive glucose during mental tasks, revealing metabolic processes within various brain regions.

• MRI Scan: Employs magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissues, primarily used for visualizing brain and spinal structures.

• fMRI Scan: Advanced imaging technique that shows brain blood flow and activity, allowing simultaneous assessment of brain structure and function.

• Brainstem: Fundamental part of the brain responsible for vital life functions like breathing and heartbeat; it extends from the spinal cord into the skull.

• Pons: Sits above the medulla and plays a key role in coordinating movements and ensuring communication between different brain areas.

• Medulla: Critical for autonomic functions, its location at the base of the brainstem allows it to oversee vital processes like heartbeat and respiration.

• Reticular Formation: A network of neurons in the brainstem essential for regulating arousal and consciousness; damage here may lead to a coma.

• Thalamus: Functions as the brain's sensory relay station; sends sensory information (except for smell) to the appropriate areas in the cerebral cortex.

• Cerebellum: Located at the back of the brain; coordinates voluntary movement, balance, and processes sensory input.

• Limbic System: Emotionally significant part of the brain; includes structures such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus linked to emotional responses and drives.

• Amygdala: Small, almond-shaped clusters in the limbic system associated with emotional processing, particularly fear and pleasure.

• Hippocampus: Key structure for memory formation and retrieval; significantly involved in learning processes.

• Hypothalamus: A vital regulatory center that manages bodily functions like hunger, thirst, temperature, and governs the endocrine system through the pituitary gland.

• Cerebral Cortex: The outer layer of the brain involved in higher-order functions like thinking, decision-making, and sensory processing; often referred to as the brain's control center.

• Glial Cells: Supportive cells in the nervous system that care for neurons, potentially aiding in learning and cognitive functions.

• Frontal Lobes: The cerebral cortex section responsible for voluntary movement, complex cognitive tasks like planning, and regulation of behavior; positioned behind the forehead.

• Parietal Lobes: Located at the top of the brain, these lobes process sensory information related to touch and spatial orientation.

Test your knowledge of key terms from AP Psychology Unit 3B with these flashcards. Dive into concepts like lesions and EEGs, crucial for understanding brain function and structure. Perfect for quick review or exam preparation.