psychology: Module 8 (The Brain) || ANSWERED
AND GRADED
brainstem - Correct Answer The oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning where spinal cord
swells as it enters the skull; responsible for autonomic survival functions.
medulla - Correct Answer Base of the brainstem; controls life-support functions like heartbeat and
breathing.
reticular formation - Correct Answer A nerve network in the brainstem that plays an important role in
controlling wakefulness and arousal.
thalamus - Correct Answer The "sensory switchboard" that sits on top of brainstem through which all
sensory information, except smell, passes; redirects this information to the appropriate sensory area of
the cerebral cortex for processing.
cerebellum - Correct Answer The "little brain" attached to the rear of the brainstem; helps coordinate
voluntary movements and balance.
case study - Correct Answer An observation technique in which one person is studied in depth in the
hope of revealing universal principles.
computerized axial tomography (CT or CAT scan) - Correct Answer A series of x-ray photographs taken
from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice through the
whole body.
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - Correct Answer A technique that uses magnetic fields and radio
waves to produce computer-generated images that distinguish among different types of soft tissue;
allows us to see structures within the brain.
electroencephalogram (EEG) - Correct Answer An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity
that sweep across the brain's surface. These waves, measured by electrodes placed on the scalp, are
helpful in evaluating brain function.
AND GRADED
brainstem - Correct Answer The oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning where spinal cord
swells as it enters the skull; responsible for autonomic survival functions.
medulla - Correct Answer Base of the brainstem; controls life-support functions like heartbeat and
breathing.
reticular formation - Correct Answer A nerve network in the brainstem that plays an important role in
controlling wakefulness and arousal.
thalamus - Correct Answer The "sensory switchboard" that sits on top of brainstem through which all
sensory information, except smell, passes; redirects this information to the appropriate sensory area of
the cerebral cortex for processing.
cerebellum - Correct Answer The "little brain" attached to the rear of the brainstem; helps coordinate
voluntary movements and balance.
case study - Correct Answer An observation technique in which one person is studied in depth in the
hope of revealing universal principles.
computerized axial tomography (CT or CAT scan) - Correct Answer A series of x-ray photographs taken
from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice through the
whole body.
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - Correct Answer A technique that uses magnetic fields and radio
waves to produce computer-generated images that distinguish among different types of soft tissue;
allows us to see structures within the brain.
electroencephalogram (EEG) - Correct Answer An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity
that sweep across the brain's surface. These waves, measured by electrodes placed on the scalp, are
helpful in evaluating brain function.
