The Brain

• What is the study of the brain called?

  Neuropsychology
• The brain is the seat of consciousness
• The brain is the physical organ, whereas the mind is non-physical and refers to thoughts, memories, and feelings.
• Psychology is the study of the mind
• What does the Greek word "psyche" mean in psychology?

  Mind
• The determinist view suggests that mental states are solely determined by the brain
• What does the reductionist view argue about mental states and brain states?

  Mental states are brain states
• The human brain weighs approximately 1.5 kilograms
• How many neurons does the human brain contain?

  86 billion
• The invention of brain imaging technology has allowed researchers to study living brains.
• Brain surgery is often performed while the patient is awake
• Why can brain surgery be performed while the patient is awake?

  The brain has no pain receptors
• The Central Nervous System (CNS) includes the brain and the nerves running down the spine.
• Creatures with a CNS are called vertebrates
• What does the Peripheral Nervous System connect to?

  CNS
• Sensory nerves transmit information to the brain, while motor nerves carry messages from the brain.
• The brain is made up of two similar-looking halves called hemispheres
• What is the bridge of nerve fibers that links the two hemispheres called?

  Corpus callosum
• The corpus callosum allows the left and right hemispheres to communicate with each other.
• The phenomenon where different sides of the brain specialize in different functions is called brain lateralization
• Which side of the body does the left hemisphere control?

  Right
• The brain's language center is located in the left hemisphere.
• Spatial awareness, like reading maps, is based in the right hemisphere
• Which hemisphere do left-handed people use to control their writing hand?

  Right
• Left-handers often retain more language ability after a stroke that damages the left hemisphere.
• The outer layer of the brain is called the cerebral cortex
• What are the four main areas of the cerebral cortex called?

  Lobes
• Each hemisphere has its own version of all four lobes.
• The frontal lobe is responsible for conscious planning and self-control
• Which lobe of the brain handles most memory functions?

  Temporal lobe
• The occipital lobe processes sight and environmental awareness.
• What does the parietal lobe specialize in controlling?

  Touch and movement
• Beneath the cortex lies the limbic system
• The thalamus is often called "the brain's switchboard".
• What shape is the amygdala in the brain?

  Almond
• The hypothalamus regulates hunger, thirst, and sexual arousal
• The hippocampus is essential for forming new long-term memories.
• Which brain structure processes smell?

  Olfactory bulb
• Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit information across the synaptic gap.
• The space between the axon terminal and the dendrite of the next cell is called the synaptic gap