nervous system and endocrine system

Nervous system

The network of nerve cells and fibers that transmit nerve impulses between different parts of the body.

Neuron

An individual nerve cell that is responsible for transmitting electrical signals in the nervous system.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals held in terminal buttons that travel through the synaptic gap and transmit signals between neurons.

Cell body

The part of a neuron that contains the nucleus and other organelles, serving as the cell's life support center.

Dendrites

Branch-like extensions of a neuron that receive messages from other cells and transmit them to the cell body.

Axon

A long, slender projection of a neuron that passes messages away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Myelin sheath

A protective covering that surrounds the axon of some neurons and helps speed up the transmission of neural impulses.

Multiple sclerosis

A disease in which the myelin sheath is destroyed, leading to impaired neural communication.

Terminal branches of axon

The end points of an axon that form junctions with other cells, allowing for the transmission of signals.

Resting potential

The state of a neuron when it is resting but ready to fire or generate an action potential.

Action potential

An electrical impulse or neural impulse that is created when a neuron fires and transmits a signal.

All-or-none response

The principle that neurons either fire with full intensity or do not fire at all.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Neurotransmitters are responsible for muscle contraction, memory, and attention. Deficiency linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitters involved in reward, motivation, and pleasure. It plays a role in regulating mood, attention, and movement—imbalances linked to mental health disorders like depression and schizophrenia.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitters involved in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. Plays a key role in feelings of happiness and well-being. Imbalances can lead to depression and anxiety.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that relieve pain and elevate mood, acting as the body's natural opiates.

Agonists

Drugs or substances that mimic the effects of certain neurotransmitters, increasing their effects or helping neurons fire.

Antagonists

Drugs or substances that stop neural firing, decreasing the effects or amount of neurotransmitters.

Receptor cells

Cells in each sensory system that respond to sensory stimuli and send nerve impulses along sensory neurons.

Sensory neurons

Neurons that carry information from the sensory receptor cells to the brain.

Interneurons

Nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that process information.

Motor neurons

Neurons that carry information from the brain to the muscles and glands.

Reflexes

Automatic responses that occur when a signal only reaches the spinal cord and does not reach the brain.

Central nervous system

The brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing and coordinating information.

Peripheral nervous system

All nerves that are not encased in bone and branch off of the spinal cord.

Somatic nervous system

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movement.

Autonomic nervous system

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls the automatic functions of the body.

Sympathetic nervous system

The division of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for the "fight or flight" response.

Parasympathetic nervous system

The division of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body down after a stressful event.

Endocrine system

The system of glands that secrete hormones to regulate various bodily functions.

Hormones

Chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream and regulate bodily functions.

Hypothalamus

A part of the brain that controls the pituitary gland and regulates the endocrine system.

Pituitary gland

The "master gland" that controls the other endocrine glands and releases various hormones.

Growth Hormone (GH)

A hormone that regulates growth and development. Too much can lead to gigantism, while too little can result in dwarfism.

Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH)

A hormone that stimulates the kidneys to retain water.

Thyroid gland

A gland that regulates metabolism and energy balance. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are conditions associated with its dysfunction.

Adrenal gland

A gland that releases adrenaline (epinephrine) to deal with stress or emergencies.

Male and female sex glands

Ovaries in females and testes in males, which produce hormones that regulate the development of sex organs and secondary sex characteristics.

Pancreas

A gland that secretes insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are conditions associated with its dysfunction.

Phrenology

Study of the bumps and contours on the skull to determine personality traits and mental abilities.

Medulla

Part of the brainstem responsible for vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure regulation.

Synapse

The tiny gap between two nerve cells where communication occurs. It allows electrical impulses to be transmitted from one cell to another through the release and

Corpus Callosum

A thick band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain, allowing communication and coordination between the two sides.

Amygdala

Part of the brain is involved in processing emotions and fear responses. Plays a role in memory formation and decision-making.

Occipital Lobe

The part of the brain responsible for processing visual information and interpreting what we see. It helps with recognizing objects, colors, shapes, and faces. It also plays a role in spatial awareness and visual memory.

Temporal Lobe

Part of the brain responsible for processing auditory information, language comprehension, and memory. Involved in recognizing faces and interpreting emotions.

Biological Psychology

Study of how biological processes and genetics influence behavior and mental processes.

Cerebral Cortex

The outermost layer of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions, such as perception, memory, language, and decision-making. It is divided into four lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital.

Thalamus

Relay station in the brain that processes and relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex. Plays a crucial role in regulating consciousness, sleep, and alertness.

Phineas Gage

A railroad worker who survived a severe brain injury in 1848. A metal rod went through his skull, damaging his frontal lobe. Gage's personality changed drastically after the accident, becoming impulsive and irritable.

Reticular Formation

Part of the brainstem responsible for regulating sleep, wakefulness, and attention. Plays a crucial role in filtering and processing sensory information. Involved in maintaining arousal and alertness.

Split Brain

Condition where the corpus callosum, which connects the brain's hemispheres, is severed. Results in limited communication between the two hemispheres.

Lateralization

The division of cognitive functions between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, allowing for specialization of tasks.

Plasticity

The brain's ability to change and adapt. It allows the brain to reorganize itself by forming new connections between neurons and modifying existing ones.

Brain scan: EEG

A brain scan technique that measures electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp.

Brain scan: PET

A medical imaging technique that uses radioactive tracers to measure brain activity.

Brain scan: MRI

A medical imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain's structure and function.

Reuptake

The process of reabsorbing neurotransmitters by the sending neuron after being released into the synapse increases their availability for future use.

Cerebellum

Part of the brain responsible for coordination, balance, and fine motor control.