| Term | Definition |
|---|
| nervous system | complex combination of cells that receives info, integrates it with previous info, and guides actions based on this info: composed of neurons and glial cells |
| neurons | nervous system cells that communicate with each other to transmit information throughout the body |
| glial cells | support neurons by directing their growth, providing them energy, and keeping them stable and undamaged |
| axon | usually carries signals from the cell body of a neuron toward the synapse, carries the action potential |
| dendrites | branches of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons |
| action potential | all-or-nothing electrochemical impulse that travels down an axon due to depolarization caused by positive ions rushing into the axon in a chain reaction |
| myelin | a fatty substance that wraps around some axons speeding up their action potentials |
| refractory period | a rest period between action potentials during which neurons repolarize |
| synapse | the junction of two neurons, usually a gap between an axon terminal and a dendrite |
| axon terminals | the many finger-like endings of an axon |
| vesicles | pouches that hold neurotransmitters in an axon terminal |
| receptor sites | small protiens on a dendrite that will open ion channels when a particular neurotransmitter stimulates them, like key in a lock |
| postsynaptic potential | a localized change in the electrical potential of the cell membrane of a postsynaptic dendrite |
| EPSP | abbreviation for when the postsynaptic membrane becomes depolarized increasing the chance that a neuron will fire (these fade as they travel down the dendrite) |
| IPSP | abbreviation for when the postsynaptic membrane becomes hyperpolarized, decreasing the chance that a neuron will fire (these fade as they travel down the dendrite) |
| threshold | the particular amount (ratio) of depolarization required by a neuron for it to fire an action potential |
| neural networks | groups of interconnected neurons that communicate with each other and other groups; the more they work together the closer they "wire" together |
| peripheral nervous system | division of the nervous system that's not encased in bone; neurons that reach throughout the body |
| central nervous system | major division of the nervous system includes brain and spinal cord; processes info from sensory systems and chooses courses of action |
| somatic nervous system | part of the peripheral nervous system, transmits sensory information to the brain and carries motor signals to the muscles |
| autonomic nervous system | part of the peripheral nervous system, helps run organs, glands, and any process normally unconscious |
| nuclei | collections of cell bodies that work together, clustered like people cluster in cities |
| fiber tracts | collections of axons that travel together in bands interconnecting nuclei |
| spinal cord | part of the CNS, receives signals from the peripheral nervous system and relays them to the brain, and sends messages from the brain to muscles |
| reflexes | quick, involuntary responses to incoming sensory information regulated by the spinal cord |
| hindbrain | or the brainstem, is our most primitive, oldest part of the brain |
| medulla | in the hindbrain, this part of the brain helps regulate blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing |
| cerebellum | in the hindbrain, this controls fine motor coordination and has been recently found to have some memory, time judgement, and sensory functions |
| pons | widening of the brainstem above the medulla that influences coordination of movement |
| locus coeruleus | small group of cells in the brain that seems to be involved in vigilance and focus or attention |
| reticular formation | a collection of nuclei and fivers that forms a network of cells beginning in the hindbrain that controls arousal, attention, and sleep |
| hypothalamus | located in the forebrain, it regulates hunger, thirst, sex drive and is a major reward center |
| thalamus | in the forebrain, the egg-shaped structure relays sensory information on its way to higher centers of the brain |
| hippocampus | part of the forebrain, this pea-pod shaped structure is involved in learning and storing new memories |
| amygdala | forebrain structure that plays a role in anger and fear and associating two or more senses |
| limbic system | this group of brain structures is involved in emotion, memory, and some basic drives |
| hemisphere | term for one half of the cerebrum, either left or right |
| cerebral cortex | the wrinkled outer surface of the cerebral hemispheres, this part of the brain controls high-level thought processes and associations |
| sensory cortex | also called somatosensory cortex, this cortical area registers touch sensations (other versions of this structure are present elsewhere for vision and hearing) |
| motor cortex | strip of cortex in the frontal lobe that controls all voluntary movement |
| association cortex | pertains to all lobes of the cortex; regions of cortex that associate sensory information with memories or motor information; also performs tasks such as abstract thinking, planning, and decision making |
| corpus callosum | connects the two hemispheres and transfers information between them |
| laterilization | process whereby certain tasks are done more efficiently by one hemisphere than another |
| plasticity | the brain's ability to strengthen connections at synapses or to change them or make new connections; allows the brain to change it's capabilities |
| acetylcholine | neurotransmitter that causes contraction of muscles and formation of new memories |
| norepinephrine | neurotransmitter that is involved in arousal and the fight-or-flight system (also mood, sleep, and learning) |
| serotonin | neurotransmitter that regulates mood; also affects sleep and appetite |
| dopamine | neurotransmitter that plays a role in the experience of pleasure and to control movement |
| GABA | a major inhibitory neurotransmitter; problems with this NT lead to anxiety and disorders that cause uncontrollable movement (influences sleep and movement) |
| glutamate | a major excitatory neurotransmitter that helps signals cross the synapse better (also influences memory) |
| endorphins | naturally occurring opiates; neurotransmitters that modify pain signals to reduce the experience of pain |
| endocrine system | system of glands and hormones; the body's second information processing system |
| glands | structures that make up the endocrine system, secrete hormones |
| hormones | chemicals that travel in the bloodstream and communicate with other cells, signals last longer than neurotransmitters |
| fight-or-flight syndrome | set of responses to danger that prepares the body for action |
| Broca's area | controls the organization and expression of speech |
| Wernicke's area | involved in the interpretation of written words and speech |
| EEG | measures electrical activity in the brain |
| PET | measures where blood is being used in the brain, which regions of the brain are working |
| MRI | shows clear pictures of the physical structures in the brain |
| fMRI | brain imaging that shows clear physical image of brain structures AND where and when certain regions are active |
Combine with other sets
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