Overview of the Nervous System and Brain Structures
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This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to the nervous system and brain structures, including definitions of important terms and their functions.
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39 Terms
Nervous System
The system that carries information to and from all parts of the body.
Neuron
A nerve cell that transmits electrical impulses throughout the nervous system.
Synapse
The junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.
Excitatory Neurotransmitter
A neurotransmitter that causes receiving cells to fire.
Inhibitory Neurotransmitter
A neurotransmitter that causes receiving cells to stop firing.
Dopamine
A neurotransmitter involved in pleasure and reward pathways, linked to diseases like schizophrenia and Parkinson’s.
Serotonin
A neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood.
Lock & Key Mechanism
The process by which neurotransmitters bind to receptors of the receiving neuron.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
All nerves and neurons not contained in the CNS that allow the brain to communicate with the body.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
A subdivision of the PNS that controls involuntary bodily functions.
Sympathetic Nervous System
Part of the autonomic nervous system that triggers the 'fight or flight' response.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Part of the autonomic nervous system that promotes 'rest and digest' activities.
Limbic System
A set of structures in the brain involved in emotion, learning, memory, and motivation.
Amygdala
A part of the limbic system involved in fear responses.
Hippocampus
A part of the limbic system crucial for forming long-term memories.
Thalamus
The brain's sensory switchboard, relaying information to the appropriate areas.
Endocrine Glands
Glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate various functions.
Plasticity
The brain's ability to modify itself in response to experience, injury, or illness.
Nervous System
The system that carries information to and from all parts of the body.
Neuron
A nerve cell that transmits electrical impulses throughout the nervous system.
Synapse
The junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.
Excitatory Neurotransmitter
A neurotransmitter that causes receiving cells to fire.
Inhibitory Neurotransmitter
A neurotransmitter that causes receiving cells to stop firing.
Dopamine
A neurotransmitter involved in pleasure and reward pathways, linked to diseases like schizophrenia and Parkinson’s.
Serotonin
A neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood.
Lock & Key Mechanism
The process by which neurotransmitters bind to receptors of the receiving neuron.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
All nerves and neurons not contained in the CNS that allow the brain to communicate with the body.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
A subdivision of the PNS that controls involuntary bodily functions.
Sympathetic Nervous System
Part of the autonomic nervous system that triggers the 'fight or flight' response.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Part of the autonomic nervous system that promotes 'rest and digest' activities.
Limbic System
A set of structures in the brain involved in emotion, learning, memory, and motivation.
Amygdala
A part of the limbic system involved in fear responses.
Hippocampus
A part of the limbic system crucial for forming long-term memories.
Thalamus
The brain's sensory switchboard, relaying information to the appropriate areas.
Endocrine Glands
Glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate various functions.
Plasticity
The brain's ability to modify itself in response to experience, injury, or illness.
Note 
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