Lecture Notes on the Brain and Endocrine System

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture notes regarding brain function, the endocrine system, and neurotransmitters.

The central nervous system consists of the __________ and the spinal cord.

brain

Different parts of the brain perform __________ functions, and they communicate through major structures called __________.

specific; commissures

The __________ is one of the larger commissures connecting the two hemispheres of the brain.

corpus callosum

In a functional MRI scan, __________ areas indicate increased blood flow while __________ areas show decreased blood flow.

red; blue

The __________ is a critical relay station for sensory information before it reaches the cerebral cortex.

thalamus

The __________ lobe processes visual information, while the __________ lobe is responsible for auditory information.

occipital; temporal

The __________ __________ is involved in processing sensory information and interpreting actions in the brain.

postcentral gyrus

The __________ system does not have a single location in the brain and plays a key role in emotion and memory.

limbic

The __________ is responsible for converting short-term memory into long-term memory.

hippocampus

The __________ is involved in regulating bodily functions such as blood pressure, hunger, and thirst.

hypothalamus

The __________ gland releases melatonin, which helps regulate sleep-wake cycles in the body.

pineal

Chronic stress can raise levels of __________ in the body, leading to hypertension and other health issues.

cortisol

The two major divisions of the autonomic nervous system are the __________ and the __________ systems.

sympathetic; parasympathetic

The __________ hormones are those that enhance each other's effects when both are present.

synergistic

Hormones that work against each other are known as __________ hormones.

antagonistic

DRUGS like __________ block nicotinic receptors and can cause paralysis during surgery.

curare

The neurotransmitter __________ is crucial for muscle contraction and is broken down by __________ in the synaptic cleft.

acetylcholine; acetylcholinesterase

The __________ __________ system is involved in alertness and can lead to a coma if damaged.

reticular activating

The __________ is a type of autoimmune disorder resulting in an overly active thyroid gland.

Grave's disease

Hydrophilic hormones generally __________ in water and require receptors on the cell membrane to exert their effects.

dissolve

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the __________ lining grows outside the uterus, often related to hormonal imbalance.

uterine