 | Term | Definition |
| |
Neuron |
An individual nerve cell |
| |
Dendrites |
Neuron fibers that receive incoming messages |
| |
Soma |
The main body of a neuron or another cell |
| |
Axon |
Fiber that carries information away from the cell body of a neuron |
| |
Axon Terminals |
Branching fibers at the ends of axons |
| |
Resting Potential |
The electrical charge of a resting neuron |
| |
Threshold |
The point at which a nerve impulse is triggered |
| |
Action Potential |
The nerve impulse |
| |
Ion Channels |
Tiny openings through the axon membrane |
| |
Negative After-Potential |
A drop in electrical charge below the resting potential |
| |
Synapse |
The microscopic space between two neurons over which messages pass |
| |
Neurotransmitter |
Any chemical released by a neuron that alerts activity in other neurons |
| |
Receptor Sites |
Areas on the surface of neurons and other cells that are sensitive to neurotransmitters or hormones |
| |
Acetylcholine |
The neurotransmitter released by neurons to activate muscles |
| |
Neuropeptides |
Brain chemicals that regulate the activity of neurons |
| |
Nerve |
A bundle of neuron axons |
| |
Myelin |
A fatty layer coating some axons |
| |
Neurilemma |
A layer of cells that encases many axons |
| |
Central Nervous System (CNS) |
The brain and spinal cord |
| |
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) |
All parts of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord |
| |
Somatic System |
The system of nerves linking the spinal cord with the body and sense organs |
| |
Autonomic System |
The system of nerves carrying information to and from the internal organs and glands |
| |
Sympathetic Branch |
A part of the ANS that arouses the body |
| |
Parasympathetic Branch |
A part of the ANS that quiets the body |
| |
Spinal Nerves |
Major nerves that carry sensory and motor messages in and out of the spinal cord |
| |
Cranial Nerves |
Major nerves that leave the brain without passing through the spinal cord |
| |
Reflex Arc |
The simplest behavior, in which a stimulus provokes and automatic response |
| |
Sensory Neuron |
A nerve cell that carries information from the senses toward the CNS |
| |
Clinical Study |
A detailed infestigation of a single person, especially one suffering from some injury or disease |
| |
Ablation |
Surgical removal of tissue |
| |
Electrode |
Any device (such as a wire, needle, or metal plate) used to electrically stimulate nerve tissue or to record its activity |
| |
Deep Lesioning |
Removal of tissue within the brain by use of an electrode |
| |
Electrical Stimulation of the Brain (ESB) |
Direct electrical stimulation and activation of brain tissue |
| |
Electroencephalograph (EEG) |
A device that detects, amplifies, and records electrical activity in the brain |
| |
Computed Tomographic Scan (CT) |
A computer-enhanced X-ray image of the brain or body |
| |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) |
A computer-enhanced 3D representation of the brain or body based on the body's response to a magnetic field |
| |
f MRI Scan |
MRI that records brain activity |
| |
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) |
A CG image of brain activity based on glucose consumption in the brain |
| |
Cerebral Cortex |
The outer layer of the cerebrum |
| |
Corticalization |
An increase in the relative size of the cerebral cortex |
| |
"Split-Brain" Operation |
Cutting the corpus callosum |
| |
Neurological Soft Signs |
Subtle behavioral signs of brain dysfunction, including clumsiness, and awkward gait, poor hand-eye coordination, and other perceptual and motor problems |
| |
Occipital Lobe |
A portion of the cerebral cortex where vision registers |
| |
Parietal Lobe |
Registers touch |
| |
Somatosensory Area |
A receiving area for bodily sensations |
| |
Temporal Lobe |
Registers hearing |
| |
Frontal Lobe |
Registers smell. Also used with movement and higher mental functions |
| |
Motor Cortex |
Movement-control center of the brain |
| |
Association Cortex |
All areas of the cerebral cortex that are not primarily sensory or motor in function |
| |
Aphasia |
A speech disturbance resulting from brain damage |
| |
Broca's Area |
A language area related to grammar and pronunciation |
| |
Wernicke's Area |
An area related to language comprehension |
| |
Agnosia |
An inability to grasp the meaning of stimuli, such as words, objects, or pictures |
| |
Facial Agnosia |
An inability to recognize familiar faces |
| |
Subcortex |
All brain structures below the cerebral cortex |
| |
Brainstem |
The lowest portions of the brain, including the cerebellum, medulla, pons, and reticular formation |
| |
Medulla |
The structure that connects the brain with the spinal cord and controls vital life functions |
| |
Pons |
An area on the brainsetm that acts as a bridge berween the medulla and other structures |
| |
Cerebellum |
A brain structure that controls posture and coordination |
| |
Reticular Formation (RF) |
A network within the medulla and brainstem; associated with attention, alertness, and some reflexes |
| |
Reticular Activating System (RAS) |
A part of the reticular formation that activates the cerebral cortex |
| |
Thalmus |
A brain structure that relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex |
| |
Hypothalmus |
A small area of the brain that regulates emotional behaviors and motives |
| |
Limbic System |
A system in the forebrain that is closely linked with emotional response |
| |
Amygdala |
A part of the limbic system associated with fear responses |
| |
Hippocampus |
A part of the limbic system associated with storing memories |
| |
Endocrine System |
Glands whose secretions pass directly into the bloodstream or lymph system |
| |
Hormone |
A glandular secretion that affects bodily functions or behavior |
| |
Growth Hormone |
A hormone, secreted by the pituitary gland, that promotes bodily growt |
| |
Pituitary Gland |
The "master gland" whose hormones influence other endocrine glands |
| |
Pineal Gland |
Gland in the brain that helps regulate body rhythms and sleep cycles |
| |
Melatonin |
Hormone released by the pineal gland in response to daily cycles of light and dark |
| |
Thyroid Gland |
Endocrine gland that helps regulate the rate of metabolism |
| |
Epinephrine |
An adrenal hormone that tends to arouse the bodk'epinephrine is associated with fear. (a.k.a. adrenaline.) |
| |
Norepinephrine |
An adrenal hormone that tends to arouse the body; norepinephrine is associated with anger (a.k.a. noradrenaline.) |
| |
Adrenal Glands |
Endocrine glands that arouse the body, regulate salt balance, adjust the body to stress, and affect sexual functioning |
| |
Handedness |
A preference for the right or left hand in most activities |
| |
Dominant Hemisphere |
A term usually applied to the side of a person's brain that produces language |
| |
Lateralization |
Differences between the two sides of the body, expecially differences in the abilities of the brain hemispheres |
