Introduction to Neuroscience Lecture

Vocabulary flashcards covering key neuroscience terms discussed in the lecture.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord; main center for processing and integrating nervous information.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All nerves outside the brain and spinal cord that bring sensory input to the CNS and carry motor commands back to the body.

Somatosensory Cortex

Parietal-lobe region that receives and maps touch, pain, temperature, and body-position signals.

Frontal Association Area

Part of the frontal lobe that handles cognition and decision making; plans voluntary actions.

Motor Cortex

Frontal-lobe strip that executes planned movements by sending motor commands to the body.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Clear fluid in brain ventricles that cushions, nourishes, and removes waste from the CNS.

Ventricles

Hollow brain chambers filled with cerebrospinal fluid; enlarge in degenerative diseases.

Neuron

Electrically excitable cell that transmits information via action potentials and synapses.

Glial Cell

Support cell in the nervous system; includes oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, microglia, etc.

Oligodendrocyte

CNS glial cell that wraps axons in myelin to insulate and speed conduction.

Dendrite

Branched neuron extension that receives neurotransmitter signals from other cells.

Axon

Long projection of a neuron that conducts action potentials to synaptic terminals.

Action Potential

Rapid electrical impulse along an axon that triggers neurotransmitter release.

Synapse

Junction where a neuron releases neurotransmitter to communicate with another cell.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messenger released into a synapse to influence a postsynaptic neuron.

Myelin Sheath

Fatty insulating layer around axons that increases the speed of electrical conduction.

White Matter

Brain regions rich in myelinated axons; appears white due to lipid content.

Grey Matter

Areas containing neuronal cell bodies and synapses; primary site of processing.

Thalamus

Deep brain relay station that routes incoming sensory and outgoing motor signals to cortex.

Corpus Callosum

Large bundle of axons connecting the left and right cerebral hemispheres.

Hypothalamus

Region beneath the thalamus that regulates hormones, mood, hunger, and other homeostatic behaviors.

Pituitary Gland

“Master” endocrine gland controlled by the hypothalamus; releases many hormones into the bloodstream.

Hormone

Chemical released into the blood to act on distant organs; differs from synaptic neurotransmitters.

Limbic System

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

Amygdala

Limbic nucleus that detects threats and salient stimuli, generating rapid emotional responses.

Hippocampus

Limbic structure essential for forming declarative memories and spatial navigation.

Cingulate Cortex

Medial cortical area that maps and modulates different emotional states.

Basal Ganglia (Striatum)

Subcortical nuclei that select and inhibit movements and are linked to mood and movement disorders.

Cerebellum

Hindbrain structure important for balance, coordination, and fine-tuning movements.

Serotonin (5-HT)

Neurotransmitter produced by raphe nuclei that broadly influences mood, sleep, and cognition.

Dopamine (DA)

Neurotransmitter that modulates reward pathways and basal ganglia motor functions.

Norepinephrine (NE)

Neurotransmitter from locus coeruleus neurons that regulates arousal, vigilance, and attention.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Neurotransmitter involved in muscle activation, learning, and memory.

Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel

Membrane protein that opens during an action potential, allowing Ca²⁺ entry to trigger vesicle fusion.

Vesicular Monoamine Transporter (VMAT)

Protein that loads monoamine neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, into synaptic vesicles.

Presynaptic Neuron

Neuron that sends an action potential and releases neurotransmitter into a synapse.

Postsynaptic Neuron

Neuron that receives neurotransmitter signals and may generate its own action potential.

Raphe Nuclei

Brainstem clusters of serotonin-producing neuron cell bodies.

Calcium Influx

Entry of Ca²⁺ into the presynaptic terminal that initiates neurotransmitter release.

Spatial Navigation

Ability to orient and move through space, primarily supported by the hippocampus.

Declarative Memory

Memory for facts and events that can be consciously recalled; dependent on the hippocampus.

Balance and Coordination

Motor functions largely governed by the cerebellum.