Neuroscience

Neurons

Cells in the nervous system that communicate with one another to perform info-processing tasks

Cell Body

(soma) part of a neuron that coor info-processing tasks and keeps cell alive

Dendrite

Part of a neuron that receives info from other neurons and relays it to the cell body

Axon

Part of neuron that carries info to other neurons, muscles, or glands

Myelin Sheath

An insulating layer of fatty material

Glial Cells

Support cells found in the nervous system

Synapse

The junction/region between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites or cell body of another

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that receive info from the external world and convey this info to the brain via spinal cord

Motor Neurons

Neurons that carry signals from the spinal cord to the muscles to produce movement

Interneurons

Neurons that connect sensory neurons, motor neurons, or other interneurons

Resting Potential

The difference in electrical charge btw the inside and outside of a neuron's cell membrane

Action Potential

An electric signal that is conducted along a neuron's axon to a synapse

Refractory Period

The time following an action potential during which a new action potential cannot be initiated

Terminal Buttons

Knoblike structures that branch out from an axon

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit info across the synapse to a receiving neuron's dendrites

Receptor

parts of the cell membrane that receive the neurotransmitter and initiate or prevent a new electric signal

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in a number of functions, including voluntary motor control

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter that regulates motor behavior, motivation, pleasure, and emotional arousal

Glutamate

The major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain

GABA

Gamma-aminobutyric acid- the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain

Norepinephrine

Neurotransmitter that is particularly involved in states of vigilance or heightened awareness of dangers in the environment.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter that is involved in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness, eating, and aggressive behavior

Endorphins

Chemicals that act within the pain pathways and emotion centers of the brain

Agonists

Drugs that increase the action of a neurotransmitter

Antagonists

Drugs that block the function of a neurotransmitter

Nervous System

An interacting network of neurons that conveys electrochemical info throughout the body

Central Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that is composed of brain and spinal cord

Peripheral Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that connects the central nervous system to the body organs and muscles

Somatic Nervous System

A set of nerves that conveys info between voluntary muscles and the central nervous system

Autonomic Nervous System

A set nerves that carries involuntary and automatic commands that control blood vessels, body organs, and glands

Sympatheic Nervous System

A set of nerves that prepares the body for action in challenging or threatening situations

Parasympathetic Nervous System

A set nerves that helps the body return to normal resting state

Reflec Arc

Neural pathway that controls reflex actions

Reticular Formation

Brain structure that regulates sleep, wakefulness, and levels of arousal

Endocrine System

Network of glands that produce and secrete into the bloodstream chemical messages(hormones) which influence a wide variety of basic functions, including metabolism, growth, and sexual development.

Pituitary Gland

The "master gland" of the body's hormone-producing system, which releases hormones that direct the functions of many other glands in the body

Association Areas

Areas in the cerebral cortex composed of neurons that help provide sense and meaning to info registered in the cortex