Neuroscience and Neuroplasticity Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from neuroscience and neuroplasticity.

Neuroplasticity

The ability of the nervous system to be modified after birth.

Action Potential

The signals conducted by axons, characterized by rapid and transient changes in membrane potential.

Synapse

The junction between an axon and another cell where neurotransmitters are released.

Dendrites

Small branches of neurons that receive signals from other neurons.

Presynaptic Cell

The neuron that sends the signal before the synaptic terminal.

Postsynaptic Cell

The neuron that receives the signal after the synaptic terminal.

Sodium Potassium Pump

A type of ion pump that helps maintain the resting membrane potential by moving sodium out and potassium into the cell.

Depolarization

The process by which the inside of a neuron becomes more positive relative to the outside due to sodium influx.

Hyperpolarization

The state where the membrane potential becomes more negative than the resting potential.

Myelin Sheath

An insulating layer around axons that increases the speed of action potentials.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system where integration of information takes place, including the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the nervous system that carries information into and out of the CNS.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses to other neurons.

Neuroscientist

A scientist who specializes in the study of the nervous system and brain.

Afferent Nerves

Nerves that carry sensory signals to the central nervous system.

Ganglia

Clusters of neurons that process information in the peripheral nervous system.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the cerebrum responsible for higher brain functions, including thought and action.

Hippocampus

A brain structure involved in the formation of long-term memories.

Amygdala

A brain region involved in the generation and experience of emotions.

Thalamus

The brain structure that receives and integrates sensory information before relaying it to the cerebral cortex.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that carry signals from the brain or spinal cord to muscles or glands, triggering activity.

Interneurons

Neurons that send information between sensory neurons and motor neurons within the brain and spinal cord.