psych

Neuron

Neuron

Basic unit of the nervous system that transmits electrical signals.

Afferent neuron

Carries sensory information from the body to the brain.

Efferent neuron

Sends motor commands from the brain to muscles.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures that receive signals from other neurons.

Axon

Long projection that transmits signals to other cells.

Soma

The cell body of the neuron containing the nucleus.

Myelin sheath

Fatty layer that insulates axons and speeds signal transmission.

Nodes of Ranvier

Gaps in the myelin sheath that facilitate rapid signal conduction.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where information is transmitted.

Synaptic cleft

The gap between neurons at a synapse.

Resting Potential

The electrical charge difference across a neuron’s membrane at rest.

Depolarization

The process of a neuron becoming more positive inside to trigger an action potential.

Action Potential

A rapid electrical impulse that travels down the axon.

Absolute Refractory Period

Time after an action potential when a neuron can't fire again.

Post synaptic potential

Change in membrane potential of the receiving neuron after synaptic transmission.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and motor control.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that affects mood, appetite, and sleep.

Endorphin

Neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers.

GABA

The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, reducing neuron excitability.

Acetylcholine

Neurotransmitter involved in muscle activation and memory.

Norepinephrine

Neurotransmitter that regulates alertness and stress response.

Neuromodulators

Chemicals that modulate the strength of signal transmission between neurons.

Substance P

Neurotransmitter involved in pain perception.

Agonist

A substance that activates a receptor, mimicking a neurotransmitter's effects.

Antagonist

A substance that blocks a receptor, preventing neurotransmitter activity.

Electroencephalograph (EEG)

A tool to measure electrical activity in the brain.

Lesioning

Damaging specific brain areas to study their functions.

Electrical Stimulation of the Brain (ESB)

Technique that uses electrical currents to activate brain areas.

Computerized Tomography (CT)

Imaging technique using X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the brain.

Positron Emissions Tomography (PET)

Imaging technique that shows brain activity by tracking radioactive glucose.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Technique using magnetic fields to produce detailed brain images.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

Measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

Central nervous system

Consists of the brain and spinal cord, controls body functions.

Peripheral nervous system

Network of nerves outside the CNS, connects the body to the brain.

Autonomic nervous system

Controls involuntary body functions like heartbeat and digestion.

Somatic nervous system

Controls voluntary movements and transmits sensory information.

Sympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic system that triggers "fight or flight" responses.

Parasympathetic nervous system

Restores the body to a calm state after stress.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher functions like thinking and decision-making.

Cerebellum

Controls coordination, balance, and fine motor movements.

Thalamus

Relays sensory information to the appropriate areas of the brain.

Hypothalamus

Regulates hunger, thirst, temperature, and other homeostatic processes.

Reticular formation

A network in the brainstem involved in alertness and sleep-wake cycles.

Medulla

Controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate.

Substantia Nigra

Produces dopamine and is involved in motor control.

Amygdala

Involved in processing emotions like fear and aggression.

Limbic system

Involved in emotion, memory, and motivation.

Hippocampus

Crucial for forming new memories.

Frontal lobe

Responsible for decision-making, planning, and movement.

Parietal lobe

Processes sensory information such as touch and spatial awareness.

Occipital lobe

Processes visual information.

Temporal lobe

Involved in hearing, language, and memory.

Wernicke’s area

Involved in language comprehension.

Broca’s area

Responsible for speech production.

Endocrine system

Glands that secrete