Brain structures
The largest part of the brain, the _____ initiates and coordinates movement and regulates temperature. Other areas of the _____ enable speech, judgment, thinking and reasoning, problem-solving, emotions and learning. Other functions relate to vision, hearing, touch and other senses.
Cerebrum
It’s dominant in language and speech and plays roles in logical thinking, analysis, and accuracy.
Left Hemisphere
_______ affects the central nervous system (CNS) by acting as a depressant, which means it slows down brain activity and neural communication. When consumed, ________ crosses the blood-brain barrier and impacts neurotransmitter systems. It enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter, leading to sedative effects such as relaxation and drowsiness. Simultaneously, ______ inhibits the action of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, resulting in impaired cognitive functions, such as decision-making, memory, and coordination. In higher doses, _______ can depress the activity of the brainstem, which controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate, potentially leading to life-threatening consequences such as respiratory failure.
alcohol
Research shows that teens do not get enough ____
Sleep
When you experience something traumatic, the brain shuts down all nonessential systems and moves into the “lower” brain systems. This activates the sympathetic nervous system and signals the release of stress hormones, preparing you for survival mode: fight, flight, or freeze. A fourth trauma response has also been introduced: the fawn response.
Once the threat has passed, your parasympathetic nervous system comes back online. This allows your brain to resume normal functioning with all three parts, so you can “rest and digest” what has just happened.
However, for some, this switch back does not occur. ______ is, in essence, the brain staying in survival mode all the time, unable to relax.
PTSD
The ________ (“little brain”) is a fist-sized portion of the brain located at the back of the head, below the temporal and occipital lobes and above the brainstem. Like the cerebral cortex, it has two hemispheres. The outer portion contains neurons, and the inner area communicates with the cerebral cortex. Its function is to coordinate voluntary muscle movements and to maintain posture, balance and equilibrium.
Cerebellum
links the nervous and endocrine systems. It contains many small nuclei. In addition to participating in eating and drinking, sleeping and waking, it regulates the endocrine system via the pituitary gland. It maintains the body’s homeostasis, regulating hunger, thirst, response to pain, levels of pleasure, sexual satisfaction, anger, and aggressive behavior.
Hypothalamus
_________ effects can include depression, unease, and delusions along with deficits in attention, memory, and sense of time. Chronic long-term use is also associated with various neuropsychological impairments (e.g., deficits in executive function, learning, decision making, and risk-taking). Adolescent use of ________ is particularly troubling, as even once-weekly use during this time can lead to long-term neurocognitive dysfunction and damage, including a risk of impaired brain development.
marijuana
When does the brain stop maturing and developing at a rapid pace?
mid-to-late 20s
A type of brain disorder that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. This is a gradually progressive condition.
Alzheimer's disease
The largest lobe of the brain, located in the front of the head, the frontal lobe is involved in personality characteristics, decision-making and movement. Recognition of smell usually involves parts of the frontal lobe. The frontal lobe contains Broca’s area, which is associated with speech ability.
Frontal lobe
Regulates involuntary actions, including breathing, heart rhythm, as well as oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
Medulla oblongata
_______ use can create significant changes in mood, perception, and cognition; deficits in word recall and working memory; and acute effects including panic attacks, psychotic symptoms, and other unpleasant experiences. Additionally, some users report an altered sense of reality, depersonalization, and/or transcendental experiences.
Hallucinogens
Taking challenging classes, exercising, and engaging in creative activities like art or music can?
strengthen brain circuits and help the brain mature.
Structural brain changes, changes in brain size, and inflammation have all been noted in this condition.
Depression
The sides of the brain, temporal lobes are involved in short-term memory, speech, musical rhythm and some degree of smell recognition.
Temporal lobe
Plays a key role in emotional responses, hormonal secretions, and memory formation.
Amygdala
______ is associated with deficits of strategic planning and decision-making, and chronic use is linked to deficits of executive functioning. And according to a paper published in the Addiction journal _______ use disorder is associated with various cognitive disorders that can endure even through abstinence Research related to the specific impact of ________ on cognitive disorders has shown mixed results ranging from mild to moderate dysfunction. However, at least one study revealed significant ____-related deficits in visual memory tasks, impulsivity, and risky decision-making.
heroin (a type of opioid)
The emphasis on peer relationships, along with ongoing prefrontal cortex development, might lead teens to take more risks because the social benefits outweigh the possible consequences of a decision. These risks could be negative or dangerous, or they could be positive, such as talking to a new classmate or joining a new club or sport. Why does this happen?
Changes to the areas of the brain responsible for social processes can lead teens to focus more on peer relationships and social experiences
One of the most significant differences between an _____ brain vs. a neurotypical brain is the level of norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter). Norepinephrine is synthesized from dopamine. Since the two go hand-in-hand, experts believe that lower levels of dopamine and norepinephrine.
ADHD
connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord. The brainstem includes the midbrain, the pons and the medulla.
Brainstem
Plays a vital role in memory formation and spatial navigation.
Hippocampus
NIDA data reveals that the neurotoxic effects of prolonged _________ misuse can lead to deficits in cognition, movement, vision, and hearing, with cognitive abnormalities ranging from mild impairment to severe dementia. In particular, toluene, which is found in several types of glue, paint, and solvents, is linked to central nervous system damage.
inhalant
Despite the stresses and challenges that come with adolescence, most teens go on to become healthy adults. Some changes in the brain during this critical phase of development actually help support ________ and mental health over the long term.
resilience
______ affects multiple structures in the brain, as well as how the organ functions.
Experts believe that ______ is associated with the smaller size of certain regions of the brain and with changes in the brain’s chemicals. It can also cause changes in thinking and hallucinations.
In some cases, it is unknown whether changes to the brain cause ________ or result from the condition.
One contributing factor _______ is an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. A chemical imbalance may cause different symptoms in different people.
bipolar disorder