Exam 1

Synapse

Tiny gap between neurons where signals cross to communicate.

Semipermeable membrane

Neuron's outer surface allowing small and uncharged molecules to pass through.

Soma

Cell body of the neuron containing the nucleus, maintaining cell function.

Dendrites

Branches of the soma that receive signals from other neurons.

Axon

Major extension of the soma that carries signals away, includes myelin sheath and nodes of Ranvier.

Axon terminals

End of the neuron responsible for transmitting signals to other neurons, containing neurotransmitter vesicles.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers of the nervous system.

Myelin sheath

Insulator of the axon that increases signal transfer speed.

Nodes of Ranvier

Gaps in the myelin sheath that allow signals to jump, speeding up transmission.

Central nervous system

Comprises the brain and spinal cord, regulating thoughts, movements, and feelings.

Peripheral nervous system

Contains sensory and motor nerve cells, relaying information between the brain and body.

Somatic nervous system

Controls voluntary body movements and sensory information delivery to the brain.

Autonomic nervous system

Regulates involuntary body activities, including internal organ functions.

Sympathetic nervous system

Activates fight-or-flight responses during stress or danger.

Parasympathetic nervous system

Responsible for rest-and-digest processes, maintaining long-term health.

Enteric nervous system

Network of nerve cells in the digestive system controlling digestion.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Produces proteins and lipids for cell function, includes rough and smooth types.

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell, producing energy (ATP) necessary for various functions.

Golgi Apparatus

Processes and packages proteins and lipids for transport within and outside the cell.

Nucleus

Contains genetic material and controls cell functions, including neurotransmitter synthesis.

Lysosomes

Break down waste and cellular debris, related to diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Vesicles

Store neurotransmitters in neurons and release them during communication.

Vacuoles

Store waste products and neurotransmitters, aiding in cellular storage.

Cellular Membrane

Semi-permeable layer essential for neural communication and housing receptors.

Ribosomes

Form proteins, associated with rough endoplasmic reticulum and cytoplasm.

Cytoplasm

Jelly-like substance supporting chemical reactions and material movement in the cell.

Cytoskeleton

Network of protein fibers providing structural support and facilitating movement.

Microtubules

Hollow tubes that are a main component of the cytoskeleton, providing support.

Diathesis-stress model

Explains disease as a result of predisposition and stressor exposure.

Biomarkers

Measurable characteristics indicating health or disease risk.

Homoscedasticity

Statistical assumption of equal variance across groups.

Heteroscedasticity

Variance of errors not constant across observations.

Gut-brain axis

Bidirectional communication between the central and enteric nervous systems.

Psychoneuroimmunology

Interactions between emotional state, nervous system, and immune function.

Iatrogenesis

Harm caused unintentionally by medical treatment or diagnostic procedures.

Prophylaxis

Preventative care to avoid disease.

Retrospective study

Investigates outcomes from previously collected data.

Prospective study

Follows subjects over time to observe future outcomes.

Oxidative stress

Damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.

Inflammaging

Chronic inflammation contributing to aging and disease.

Necrosis

Cell death due to environmental factors.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death triggered by internal signals.

Telomeres

Chromosomal end caps that shorten with each cell division.

Free radical stress

Accumulation of free radicals damaging cells and DNA.

Chronic disease

Long-term health conditions often influenced by lifestyle factors.