Characters
This character represents the CEO-like leader of the frontal Cortex.
Who is Frankie?
The frontal cortex is often compared to this role in a business.
What is a CEO?
This "feel-good" neurotransmitter plays a role in the brain’s reward system.
What is Dopamine?
Amy. G. Dala urges Riley to go out because she values this type of response.
What is an emotional or impulsive response?
This character finally gets to act when Riley decides to study.
Who is Mo To?
This part of the brain, personified by Preet, is responsible for decision-making, emotional regulation, and problem-solving.
What is Prefrontal Cortex?
Located just behind the forehead, this lobe is the largest in the brain.
What is the frontal lobe?
This neurotransmitter helps regulate mood and emotions and can be both excitatory and inhibitory.
What is serotonin?
Frankie and Preet's role is to ensure decisions are based on this type of thinking.
What is logical or higher-order thinking?
The motor cortex sends signals through this part of the body to create movement.
What is the spinal cord?
Amy G. Dala symbolizes this part of the brain, known for emotional reactions like fear and excitement.
What is the Amygdala?
This portion of the frontal cortex helps suppress impulses and plan for the future.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
This is the brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter, helping to calm neural activity.
What is GABA?
Riley ultimately chooses to study because her brain values this more than instant gratification.
What is long-term success?
This brain function allows Riley to resist Alex's tempting offer.
What is impulse control?
This character is always ready to take action and represents the part of the brain responsible for voluntary movement.
Who is Mo To, the motor cortex?
This railroad worker’s brain injury helped scientists understand the function of the frontal cortex.
Who is Phineas Gage?
The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, important for learning and memory.
The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, important for learning and memory.
Amy and the prefrontal cortex often clash because they weigh these factors differently.
What are emotions vs. logic/future planning?
Before acting, Riley’s brain collects input from these three sources.
What are sensory information, memory, and emotion?