Chapter Overview and Key Concepts

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture on neuroscience and endocrinology.

Dura Mater

The outermost layer of the meninges that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.

Neuron

A nerve cell that transmits signals through electrical impulses.

Axon

The part of a neuron that carries signals away from the cell body.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer that insulates axons and speeds up the transmission of signals.

Lipids

Organic compounds that are the primary component of the myelin sheath.

Cranial Nerves

A set of 12 paired nerves that emerge directly from the brain and are responsible for various functions.

Depolarization

The process by which a neuron becomes less negative inside, often due to sodium ions rushing in.

Repolarization

The process of returning to the resting state, during which potassium ions flow out of the neuron.

Basal Nuclei

Clusters of neurons located in the inner part of the brain involved in motor control.

Broca's Area

The region of the brain responsible for speech production.

Wernicke's Area

The area of the brain that is vital for language comprehension.

Limbic System

A group of structures in the brain that deal with emotions and memory.

Corpus Callosum

The structure that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Endocrine System

The system of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.

Adrenal Gland

Glands that produce hormones, including those that help regulate metabolism and stress responses.

Pineal Gland

A small gland in the brain that produces melatonin, which regulates sleep cycles.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that lowers blood sugar levels.

Glucagon

A hormone that raises blood sugar levels by promoting the conversion of glycogen to glucose.

Oxytocin

A hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and lactation.

Calcitonin

A hormone secreted by the thyroid that decreases blood calcium levels.

Parathyroid Hormone

A hormone that increases blood calcium levels by stimulating osteoclasts.

Epinephrine

A hormone produced by the adrenal medulla that is involved in the body's fight-or-flight response.

Luteinizing Hormone

A hormone that triggers ovulation and stimulates the production of sex hormones.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A hormone that stimulates the maturation of ovarian follicles and sperm production.

Growth Hormone

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth and cell reproduction.