Regions of the brain
What is the cerebellum?
Located at the base of the skull is responsible for balance, coordination, and fine motor skills
what is the Occipital lobe
located at the back of the head, is responsible for processing visual information
what is myelination
speeds up nerve impulses by coating axons in fat, that isn't fully finished in the frontal lobe until mid 20s
what is melatonin
hormone produced by the pineal gland that signals the brain that it is time to sleep
what is the Dura-mater
tough "leathery" outermost layer of the meninges, shields the brain from impact or infections, and carries blood vessels to support CNS
what is the Thalamus
this region of the diencephalon sorts incoming sensory information and sends it to the correct part of the cerebrum
what is the temporal lobe
located near your ears, is responsible for processing auditory information, language, and memory
what is the amygdala
teens often rely on this "emotional center" of the brain to make decisions
what is REM (rapid eye movement)
stage of sleep where the brain is highly active, heart rate increases, and most vivid dreaming occurs
what is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
clear fluid circulates between the meningeal layers to cushion the brain and provide nutrients
what is the brain stem
stalk-like portion of the brain connects to the spinal cord and controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate
what is the frontal lobe
located at the front of your head, is responsible for decision making, personality, and voluntary muscle movement
what is dopamine
"feel good" neurotransmitter makes teens more likely to seek out rewards and social approval
what is the circadian rhythms
24 hour internal "clock" is regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus
what is the arachnoid mater
middle layer has a web-like appearance, does not contain blood vessels, and provides cushion and support from trauma
what is the hypothalamus
is a small region that regulates body temperature, thirst, hunger, and control the pituitary gland
what is the parietal lobe
locating in the middle section of the brain, is responsible for sensory information like touch, pressure, and pain
what is synaptic pruning
process involves the brain eliminating weak synaptic connection to the system more efficiently
what is the glymphatic system
during deep sleep, this system acts like a "waste management" system to clear out toxins from your brain
what is meningitis
the dangerous inflammation of the meninges often caused by viral or bacterial infection, fungi, and parasites
what is the Pons
located in the brain stem, is responsible for regulating sleep wake cycles and dreaming
what is the longitudinal fissure
it is deep grove that separates the left and right hemispheres of the cerebrum
what is neuroplasticity
specific ability to change and reorganize based on experiences from the persons life
what are beta waves
high frequency brain waves are present when you are wide awake and alert, disappearing as you fall asleep
what is the pia mater
ultra thin delicate innermost layer clings tightly to the surface of the brain, following every curve, and supports blood vessels