Behavioral Neuroscience: Organization of the Nervous System

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the organization and functioning of the nervous system discussed in the Behavioral Neuroscience lecture.

Central Nervous System

The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System

The part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord, including cranial and spinal nerves.

Efferents

Send information: Nerve fibers that transmit signals away from the central nervous system to muscles and organs.

Afferents

Receive information: Nerve fibers that carry sensory signals towards the central nervous system.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for 'rest and digest' activities.

Gray Matter

Regions of the brain and spinal cord made up of unmyelinated neurons.

White Matter

Regions of the brain and spinal cord made up of myelinated axons.

Coronal Slice

A vertical slice through the brain that divides it into anterior and posterior portions.

Neuroimaging

Techniques for visualizing the brain structure and function, including MRI and fMRI.

Plasticity

The brain's ability to change and adapt as a result of experience.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain responsible for higher-level functions like perception and decision-making.

Hippocampus

A brain region involved in the formation and retrieval of explicit memories.

Amygdala

A brain structure involved in processing emotions, especially negative ones.

Thalamus

A brain structure that serves as a sensory relay station.

Hypothalamus

A small brain structure responsible for regulating various homeostatic processes, including hunger, thirst, and temperature.

Cerebellum

A brain structure involved in motor coordination.

Glutamate

The major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.

GABA

The major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Central Nervous System (Parts)

Brain, Spinal Cord. Rostral (front) vs. Caudal (back). Medial (middle) vs. Lateral (side). Dorsal (top) vs. Ventral (bottom)

Peripheral Nervous System (Parts)

Spinal nerves (muscle and organs), Cranial nerves (head, neck, and viscera), Efferents send info, Afferents receive info.

Voluntary Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that controls voluntary movements by sending signals to skeletal muscles. It is a component of the peripheral nervous system.

Voluntary Nervous System (Control of Skeletal Muscles) - PARTS

Spinal nerves and Cranial Nerves

Autonomic Nervous System

A division of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. It includes sympathetic and parasympathetic subdivisions.

Autonomic Nervous System (PARTS)

Spinal nerves and Cranial nerves. Control of organs, internal structures. Receipt of information from organs, internal structures. Sympathetic (fight, flight, fright). Parasympathetic (digestion/homeostasis)

Enteric Nervous System (Gut)

A complex network of neurons that govern the function of the gastrointestinal system. It operates independently of the brain and spinal cord, controlling digestive processes such as peristalsis and enzyme secretion.

Nervous system connects with other systems of the body:

Circulatory, Immune, Gastro-intestinal, Musculo-skeletal, Endocrine (hormones)

3 Meninges

Dura Mater, Arachnoid Mater, and Pia Mater.

Dura Mater

The outermost layer of the meninges, providing a tough protective covering for the brain and spinal cord.

Arachnoid Mater

The middle layer of the meninges, it is a web-like structure that cushions the brain and contains cerebrospinal fluid.

Pia Mater

The innermost layer of the meninges, directly enveloping the brain and spinal cord, offering a delicate protective covering and supplying blood vessels.

Myelin

A fatty substance that surrounds and insulates the axons of neurons, enhancing the speed of nerve impulse conduction.

Myelinated/Myelination

Nerve fibers covered with myelin, which increases the speed of electrical signal transmission.

Unmyelinated

Nerve fibers that lack myelin, resulting in slower electrical signal transmission compared to myelinated fibers.

Ventricular System

Lateral (2), Third, and Fourth Ventricles. Cerebrospinal Fluid.

Circulatory System

Carotid Arteries (left and right vascularization), Middle Cerebral Arteries, Vertebral Arteries.

Two Hemispheres

Connected by corpus callosum. The left and right halves of the brain that control opposite sides of the body and are involved in different cognitive and motor functions.