Brain and neuropsychology

Nervous System

Nervous System

A complex network of nerve fibres and nerve cells that helps pass information around the body.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The division of the nervous system that coordinates information and makes decisions about movement, consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The division of the nervous system that collects information and sends it to different parts of the body, consisting of the somatic nervous system (SNS) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS).

Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

A network of nerve fibres that run throughout the body, passing information to and from the CNS using sensory and motor neurons.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

A division of the PNS that controls involuntary bodily functions, consisting of the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.

James-Lange Theory of Emotion

A theory that suggests our emotional experience is determined by the bodily changes we perceive, with emotions being a direct result of physical sensations.

Neurons

Special cells in the nervous system that exchange chemicals to generate small electrical impulses, allowing for the transmission of information.

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that transmit sensory information from the sensory organs to the CNS.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that transmit signals from the CNS to the muscles and glands, enabling movement and bodily functions.

Relay Neurons

Neurons located within the CNS that facilitate communication between sensory and motor neurons, allowing for complex cognitive functions.

Synaptic Transmission

The process by which information is transmitted between neurons in the nervous system through the release, diffusion, and binding of neurotransmitters across synapses.

Donald Hebb's Theory of Learning and Neuronal Growth

A theory that suggests learning occurs through the strengthening of connections between neurons in the brain, leading to more efficient communication.

Cerebrum

The top layer of the brain consisting of two cerebral hemispheres divided into four areas known as lobes.

Frontal Lobe

The lobe responsible for various cognitive functions, including decision-making, problem-solving, planning, and personality expression.

Parietal Lobe

The lobe responsible for processing sensory information, spatial awareness, perception, and language processing.

Occipital Lobe

The lobe responsible for processing visual information.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain responsible for motor control, coordination, and balance.

Localisation of Function in the Brain

The concept that specific brain functions are associated with particular areas on the cerebral cortex, including movement, vision, hearing, language, and touch.

Motor Area

The area of the brain that controls movement using motor neurons to send signals to muscles.

Somatosensory Area

The area of the brain responsible for processing touch and sensory information.

Penfield's Study of the Interpretive Cortex

Research conducted by Wilder Penfield on the functions of the cerebral cortex, specifically areas involved in language and interpretation.

Cognitive Neuroscience

The field that explores the relationship between the brain and cognitive processes, combining principles from neuroscience, psychology, and computer science.

CT Scans

Medical imaging tests that use X-rays and computer technology to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body, useful for diagnosing and monitoring various conditions.

PET Scans

Imaging tests that monitor a small amount of radioactive chemical in the blood supply to highlight active areas of the brain and brain pathways.

fMRI Scans

Neuroimaging technique used to measure brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow and oxygenation levels, providing information about brain function and connectivity.

Synapses knobs

These are specialized structures found at the ends of axons in neurons. They are responsible for transmitting signals from one neuron to another across the synapse.

Cerebral cortex

It is the outer layer of the brain that plays a crucial role in higher cognitive functions such as perception, memory, language, and consciousness.

full form of fMRI

functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

full form of PET

Positron Emission Tomography scan.