INTG 0001: Neuroanatomy Terms I Must Know

Neuron

The basic cell of the nervous system that processes and transmits information

Soma

Cell body of a neuron, containing the nucleus and most organelles

Dendrites

Branchlike extensions from the soma that receive signals from other neurons, transmitting them to the cell body aka soma

Axon

A long projection that carries electrical signals (action potentials) away from the soma to other cells

Action Potential

Rapid electrical pulse that travels along a neuron’s axon, allowing it to communicate with other cells.

Synapse

Tiny junction between two nerve cells (neurons) allowing them to communicate with each other, forming the basis of neural circuits in the brain and throughout the body.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messenger neurons release to transmit signals across a synapse to other cells

Receptor

Specialized protein on neuron’s surface acting as a molecular docking station for chemical signals like neurotransmitters.

Anterior

towards the front

Posterior

towards the back

Rostral

towards the front, nose, head, similar to anterior

Caudal

towards the back, tail, similar to posterior

Superior

Anove

Inferior

Below

Dorsal

towards the back/top

Ventral

towards the belly/bottom

Medial

towards the middle to the brain/spinal cord, closer to the midline than lateral

Lateral

Towards the side of the brain, away from the midline, left and right

Midline

Central, vertical line of the brain separating the left and right hemispheres

Contralateral

Idea that one side fo teh brain controls the opposite side fo teh body

Ipsilateral

Structures, functions, and pathways located on the same side of the brain/body

Axial Plane

Also known as the transverse or horizontal plane, divides brain into the upper (superior) and lower (inferior sections)

Coronal Plane

Vertical plane dividing the brain into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections

Sagittal Plane

Vertical plane dividing the brain into unequal or equal left and right halves

What are the lobes of the cerebral cortex?

Frontal, Parietal, Temporal, Occipital (PIFT)

Frontal Lobe

Involved in decision-making, planning, voluntary movement, aspects of personality

Located in the anterior position of the brain, just behind the forehead

Parietal Lobe

Processes touch, spatial awareness, and sensory integration

Located in top/back portion of the brain

Temporal Lobe

Helps with hearing, language, and memory

Located

Occipital Lobe

Mainly utilized for vision