Brain Basics
Parts of the Brain
Memory
Relating to Teaching
100

X-ray, MRI, CAT scan, PET scan, fMRI, EEG, MEG, and SPECT. 

What are brain imaging techniques used to understand the structure of function of parts of the brain? 

100

A large bundle of nerve fibers that is connected to the brainstem. It runs from the base of the brain to the middle of the back. It is 18 inches long in an adult. It is thinner than an index finger. 

What is the spinal cord?

100

It holds memories of your immediate past, and it sends memories to the cortex to be stored for long term memories. 

What does the hippocampus do?

100

Models can be symbolic or concrete and help a learner perceive in the classroom rather than rely on experience. 

What is a way to create meaning in new learning?

200
Neurons and glial cells

What are the two types of cells in the brain? 

200

The part of the brain made up of three parts, the midbrain, the pons, and the mediulla oblongata. The main purpose of the brainstem is to help the body survive. 

What is the brainstem? 

200

to the cortex 

Where does the hippocampus send memories for the long term? 

200

It allows a student to connect previous knowledge into working memory to make sense and attach meaning to new learning. 

How does using examples from students' experience help a learner? 

300

Myelin sheath 

What surrounds the axon? 

300
A two-lobed, folded structure, under the occipital lobes in the posterior part of the brain. It is the key to balance, maintenance of body posture, and coordination. 

What the cerebellum? 

300

Someone can not recall anything in their immediate past, and they can't encode any new memories

What does serious damage to the hippocampus cause? 
300

This allows students to gain emotional resilience and learn more effectively at a higher level of cognition or understanding. 

Why is it important to use strategies to reduce stress and build a positive emotional environment?

400
The gap between the dendrite and the axon

What is the synapse? 

400

Two walnut sized, plum shaped structures that are deep in the brain above the brainstem. It plays an important role in regulating perception and vital functions. 

What is the thalamus? 

400
Doctors removed his hippocampus to stop convulsive epileptic attacks, but in doing so, he lost the ability to form conscious long term memories. 

Who was H.M.? 

400

Brain breaks allow regions that have been blocked by stress or high intensity work to revitalize. By switching activity to other brain networks, it allows the pathways to restore their calm focus. 

Why are brain breaks so important in the classroom?

500

The chemical synapse consists of this 

What is the terminal button of the axon containing the chemical messengers that are released into the synaptic gap and move across it to the dendrite of a different neuron? 

500

It is thumbnail sized and below the thalamus. It controls the functions needed for homeostasis in the body. 

What is the hypothalamus? 

500

He did not remember learning new skills like mirror writing or puzzle solving because these are procedural memories that do not require processing in the hippocampus. 

Why could H.M. learn new motor-driven skills? 

500

This helps them restore the emotional state needed to bring the amygdala back from overdrive. 

Why is it important to help students build habits of emotional self-awareness and mindfulness?

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