All Flashcards
What is a case study?
An in-depth investigation of a single individual or small group, often used for rare phenomena.
What is lesioning?
The intentional destruction of specific brain tissue to observe behavioral changes.
What is brain stimulation?
Using electrical or chemical means to activate specific brain areas to observe responses.
What is EEG?
Electroencephalogram; uses electrodes to measure electrical activity in the brain.
What is a PET scan?
Positron Emission Tomography; uses radioactive glucose to track brain activity.
What is a CT scan?
Computed Tomography; uses X-rays to create a detailed image of the brain's structure.
What is an MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging; uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain's soft tissues.
What is fMRI?
Functional MRI; combines MRI's structural detail with PET's functional tracking, measuring blood flow changes.
What is hemispheric specialization?
The concept that each hemisphere of the brain has specialized functions.
What are split-brain patients?
Individuals whose corpus callosum has been severed, often to treat severe epilepsy.
What is the significance of Phineas Gage's case?
Provided insights into the role of the frontal lobe in personality and behavior.
What did Roger Sperry's research reveal about the brain?
Advanced our understanding of hemispheric specialization through split-brain studies.
Why is understanding the brain crucial?
Because it's the control center for everything we do, think, and feel.
What does the left hemisphere specialize in?
Language, logic, linear thinking, math, and analytical thinking; controls the right side of the body.
What does the right hemisphere specialize in?
Visual-spatial processing, music, art, emotional processing; controls the left side of the body.
What information does a CT scan provide?
Detailed images of the brain's structure, useful for identifying tumors or injuries.
What information does an fMRI provide?
Measures blood flow changes to show which brain areas are active during specific tasks, combining structure and function.
Why are case studies useful?
Particularly useful when studying rare or unusual phenomena.
What is the main purpose of lesioning?
To understand the function of a specific brain area by observing the resulting behavioral changes after its destruction.
What is the purpose of brain stimulation?
To activate specific brain areas to observe the responses, helping to understand their function.
What is the effect of damage to the frontal lobe?
Can lead to changes in personality, behavior, and decision-making abilities.
What is the effect of severing the corpus callosum?
Prevents communication between the two hemispheres, leading to independent functioning of each side of the brain.
What is the effect of stimulating the motor cortex?
Can cause a person to move a limb or other body part.
What is the effect of increased glucose uptake in a PET scan?
Indicates higher neuronal activity in that brain region.
What is the effect of a tumor on a CT scan?
The tumor appears as an abnormal mass or density within the brain structure.
What is the effect of changes in blood flow on an fMRI?
Indicates the brain areas that are active during a specific task or cognitive process.
What is the effect of sleep deprivation on EEG readings?
Can show slower brain wave activity and increased theta waves.
What is the effect of a stroke on brain function?
Can cause loss of function in areas controlled by the damaged brain region, such as speech or motor skills.
What is the effect of anxiety on brain activity?
Can lead to increased activity in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, as shown by fMRI.
What is the effect of meditation on brain activity?
Can lead to increased alpha and theta wave activity, as shown by EEG.