The Nervous System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the nervous system, addressing embryonic development, neuron functions, neurotransmission, and brain specialization.

Neural Plate Induction

The stage in embryonic development when a patch of tissue on the dorsal surface of the embryo begins to form the nervous system, induced by chemical signals.

Synaptogenesis

The process of forming new synapses, dependent on chemical cues from glial cells.

Lateralization

The functional specialization of the two hemispheres of the brain, where each hemisphere has strengths in different types of processing.

Neurotrophins

Chemical factors that promote growth, survival, and differentiation of neurons.

Cerebellum

Part of the hindbrain that plays a key role in motor control and may also be involved in some cognitive functions.

Axon Hillock

The region of a neuron where the action potential is initiated.

Embryonic Development

The series of stages through which an embryo develops, leading to the formation of the nervous system.

Radial Glial Cells

Cells that guide the migration of neurons during development.

Action Potential

An electrical signal that travels down the axon of a neuron, initiating neurotransmission.

Neurotransmission

The process through which signaling molecules called neurotransmitters are released by a neuron and bind to receptors on a target neuron.

Plasticity

The ability of the nervous system to change and adapt in response to experience and environmental changes.