Chapter 5 - Role of the Brain in Mental Processes and Behaviour

the surgical removal or destruction of tissue (e.g. brain tissue) by lesioning or using electrodes

a fibre that transmits nerve signals

structures at the end of the axon that store and release neurotransmitters

the question of whether our thoughts, feelings and behaviours originate from our brain or our heart

an area of the frontal lobe that is responsible for clear and fluent speech

an area of the hindbrain involved in coordinating movements and in learning and memory

the thin layer of neurons covering the outer region of the cerebrum, characterised by extensive folding

located on the left and right sides of the brain, these areas control motor and sensory functions on opposite sides of the body

an area of the forebrain that directs conscious motor activity and receives and processes sensory information

an imaging technique that combines a series of x-ray images taken from different angles to create cross-sectional images of the body

a projection of a neuron that typically branches from the cell body and is able to receive information from other neurons

small wires used to electrically stimulate biological tissues or measure electrical activity in these tissues

the ability of healthy areas of the cortex to take over the functions of injured parts

the area of the brain that includes the cerebrum, thalamus, hypothalamus, pineal gland and limbic system, and which is involved in coordinating brain activity

an area of the brain that plays an important role in planning, sequencing and executing voluntary movement

a type of MRI that shows brain activity by measuring oxygen consumption in the brain, with the assumption that active areas consume more oxygen

when one cerebral hemisphere has a specialised function that is not possessed, or is controlled to a lesser extent, by the other

a region of the brain composed of the cerebellum, medulla oblongata and pons and which is involved in supporting vital bodily processes, such as breathing and sleep

the condition of maintaining a stable internal environment of the body that is necessary for survival

an area of the forebrain that connects the hormonal and nervous systems and helps the body to maintain homeostasis

the creation of small areas of damage (lesions) in the brain

interconnected brain structures in the centre of the forebrain, next to the midbrain, that play a role in emotions, behaviour control and the formation of long-term memories

an imaging technique that uses magnetic fields to activate atoms in the brain, which then allows a computer to generate an image of the brain

the involvement of large areas of the brain in functioning as a whole in order to carry out complex functions