Neurons, Nervous System, and Brain Structures

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering neural communication, divisions of the nervous and endocrine systems, brain research techniques, and key brain structures.

Phrenology

Discredited idea that bumps on the skull reveal personality and abilities.

Neuron

Nerve cell that sends and receives information.

Sensory neurons

Carry information from senses to the brain and spinal cord.

Motor neurons

Carry commands from the brain and spinal cord to muscles.

Interneurons

Connect neurons and process information within the brain and spinal cord.

Dendrite

Receives signals from other neurons.

Axon

Carries signals away from the neuron's cell body.

Myelin sheath

Insulation around axons that speeds up signals.

Action potential

Electrical impulse that travels down an axon.

Threshold

Minimum stimulation needed for a neuron to fire.

Synapse

Junction where neurons communicate.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that carry signals between cells.

Reuptake

When the sending neuron takes neurotransmitters back in.

Endorphins

Natural chemicals that reduce pain and can improve mood.

Nervous system

The body's communication network of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Central nervous system (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

All nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

Somatic nervous system

Controls voluntary movement and carries sensory information.

Autonomic nervous system

Controls automatic functions like heartbeat and digestion.

Sympathetic nervous system

Activates the body for stress or action; fight-or-flight.

Parasympathetic nervous system

Calms the body and supports rest and digestion.

Endocrine system

Glands that release hormones into the bloodstream.

Neural networks

Groups of connected neurons that work together.

Adrenal glands

Release stress hormones such as adrenaline.

Pituitary gland

Gland that helps control other glands and hormone release.

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Disease that damages myelin in the central nervous system.

Parkinson's disease

Disorder involving loss of dopamine-producing neurons.

Lesioning

Damaging or removing brain tissue to study its function.

EEG

Records the brain's electrical activity.

PET scan

Uses a tracer to show brain activity and metabolism.

MRI

Uses magnetic fields to create detailed brain images.

Brainstem

Connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls basic survival functions.

Medulla oblongata

Controls vital functions like breathing and heartbeat.

Reticular formation

Helps control alertness and arousal.

Thalamus

Relays most sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

Cerebellum

Controls balance, coordination, and smooth movement.

Limbic system

Group of brain structures involved in emotion, motivation, and memory.

Amygdala

Processes emotions, especially fear and threat.

Hypothalamus

Regulates hunger, thirst, body temperature, and hormones.

Cerebral cortex

Outer layer of the brain involved in thinking, sensing, and voluntary movement.

Glial cells

Support, protect, and nourish neurons.

Frontal lobe

Planning, decision-making, and personality.

Parietal lobes

Process touch and spatial information.

Temporal lobes

Hearing, language, and memory.

Motor cortex

Controls voluntary muscle movements.

Occipital lobes

Process vision.

Sensory cortex

Processes bodily sensations such as touch.