Intro to Psychology Chapter 2 Vocabulary

One of two types of cells in the nervous system; nerve cells that handle the information processing function

Frontal, Parietal, Temporal, Occipital

begins where the spinal cord enters the skull; structure controls many vital functions, such as breathing and heart rate; also regulates our reflexes.

The stem like brain area that includes much of the hindbrain (excluding the cerebellum) and the midbrain; connects with the spinal cord at its lower end and then extends upward to encase the reticular formation in the midbrain.

A loosely connected network of structures under the cerebral cortex, important in both memory and emotion. Its two principal structures are the amygdala and hippocampus

Involved in fear and the discrimination of objects necessary for organism's survival. Functions: fear and aggression (fight or flight)

The structure in the limbic system that has a special role in the storage of memories

Relays information between lower and higher brain centers. Functions: attention and focus

Governs eating, drinking, and sex; plays a role in emotion and stress, sense of time

Body Movements, affected by alcohol

Part of the forebrain, the outer layer of the brain, responsible for the most complex mental functions, such as thinking and planning

Visual stimuli

Hearing, language processing, and memory

Personality, intelligence, control of voluntary muscles

Spatial location, attention, motor control