AP Psychology Key Terms: The Brain

Introduction

• Presenter: Debra Hansen
• Focus: Key terms in AP Psychology topic 1.4 (The Brain)
• Importance of writing key terms down to remember them better

Key Terms and Definitions

Cognitive Neuroscience

• Definition: Scientific field studying biological processes underlying cognition (perception, memory, language, decision making)
• Example: Use of fMRI to study brain areas involved in tasks

Corpus Callosum

• Definition: Bundle of nerve fibers connecting the left and right brain hemispheres
• Example: Coordination in tasks like playing piano

Functions (In Psychology)

• Definition: Mental processes or abilities performed by brain parts
• Example: Memory function involving encoding, storing, retrieving information

Glial Cells

• Definition: Non-neuronal cells supporting neurons in CNS
• Example: Oligodendrocytes producing myelin for axon insulation

Hemispheric Lateralization

• Definition: Specialization of functions between brain hemispheres
• Example: Language processing in left hemisphere

Medulla Oblongata

• Definition: Part of brainstem controlling autonomic functions (breathing, heart rate)
• Example: Regulating breathing without conscious effort

Midbrain

• Definition: Brainstem region connecting forebrain and hindbrain
• Example: Coordinating eye movements

Split Brain Patient

• Definition: Individual with severed corpus callosum, often to reduce epilepsy
• Example: Difficulty naming objects processed by the right hemisphere

Temporal Lobe

• Definition: Brain area processing auditory information, language comprehension
• Example: Understanding spoken language

Frontal Lobe

• Definition: Brain area responsible for decision-making, problem-solving
• Example: Raising a hand in class

Parietal Lobe

• Definition: Processes sensory information like touch, temperature, pain
• Example: Recognizing object texture

Occipital Lobe

• Definition: Processes visual information
• Example: Recognizing and understanding images

Thalamus

• Definition: Relays sensory information to cerebral cortex
• Example: Transmitting auditory info for processing

Cerebral Cortex

• Definition: Brain's outer layer responsible for complex functions
• Example: Solving math problems

Broca's Area

• Definition: Frontal lobe region crucial for speech production
• Example: Difficulty forming sentences due to damage

Amygdala

• Definition: Temporal lobe structure processing emotions, fear
• Example: Triggering fear response when seeing a snake

Motor Cortex

• Definition: Controls voluntary muscle movements
• Example: Picking up a cup

Reticular Formation

• Definition: Neuron network in brainstem regulating alertness
• Example: Maintaining focus while driving

Brainstem

• Definition: Connects brain to spinal cord, controls basic functions
• Example: Regulating heartbeat during sleep

Hippocampus

• Definition: Involved in memory formation and retrieval
• Example: Remembering parking location

Forebrain

• Definition: Largest brain part handling complex functions
• Example: Planning a vacation

Spinal Cord

• Definition: Transmits signals between brain and body
• Example: Reflex reaction to hot stove

Hypothalamus

• Definition: Regulates bodily functions like temperature, hunger
• Example: Initiating sweating when hot

Limbic System

• Definition: Group of structures involved in emotions, memory
• Example: Recalling happy memories

Wernicke's Area

• Definition: Left temporal lobe area for language comprehension
• Example: Difficulty understanding language if damaged

Pons

• Definition: Brainstem part helping with breathing, sleep, facial expressions
• Example: Coordinating facial movements like smiling

Cerebellum

• Definition: Coordinates voluntary movements, balance
• Example: Maintaining balance while biking

Somatosensory Cortex

• Definition: Processes body sensory information
• Example: Feeling touch or heat on skin

Conclusion

• Encouragement to review key terms using flashcards for memory encoding
• Call to action: Like and subscribe to support the channel
• End of lesson