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Neurotransmitters
Endogenous chemicals that allow neurons to communicate with each other, the brain, and body through the process of chemical synaptic transmission.
Neurotransmission
The process by which signaling molecules called neurotransmitters are released by a neuron, travel across a synapse, and bind to receptors on a neighboring cell to transmit a signal.
Excitatory neurotransmitter
A chemical messenger that increases the likelihood of an action potential in the receiving neuron, leading to neural excitation.
Inhibitory Neurotransmitter
Type of neurotransmitter that decreases the likelihood of an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron, leading to inhibition of neuronal activity.
Agonist Neurotransmitter
A chemical that binds to and activates a receptor, mimicking the actions of the body's natural neurotransmitters.
Antagonist Neurotransmitter
Type of neurotransmitter that inhibits or opposes the effects of the primary neurotransmitter in a synapse, regulating neuronal activity.
Synapse
Junction between neurons where electrical signals are transmitted. Consists of presynaptic terminal, synaptic cleft, and postsynaptic membrane.
Acetylcholine
Neurotransmitter responsible memory, and learning. Located in the hippocampus region.
Serotonin
Chemical messenger in the brain that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. Regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.
5-HTT gene
Regulates serotonin levels in the brain. Variations linked to mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Impacts serotonin reuptake.
Alleles
Alleles are different forms of a gene that occupy the same position on homologous chromosomes. They can be dominant or recessive, influencing an organism's traits.
Bidirectional Ambiguity
Bidirectional Ambiguity: A phenomenon in which a sentence or phrase can be interpreted in more than one way, leading to confusion or misunderstanding.
SSRI
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor - a type of antidepressant medication that increases serotonin levels in the brain by blocking its reuptake.
Raphe nuclei
Clusters of serotonin-producing neurons in the brainstem involved in regulating mood, sleep, and stress responses.
Tryptophan
Essential amino acid that the body needs for growth and to produce serotonin and melatonin. Found in foods like turkey, eggs, and nuts.
Neuroplasticiy
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections in response to learning, experience, or injury.
neural pruning
Neural pruning is the process where the brain eliminates unnecessary or weak connections between neurons to enhance efficiency and optimize brain function.
synaptic plasticity
Synaptic plasticity refers to the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time in response to increases or decreases in activity.
Long term depression
Long-term depression (LTD) is a persistent weakening of synaptic connections between neurons due to low-frequency stimulation, leading to decreased signal transmission efficiency.
neurogenesis
Process of generating new neurons in the brain, crucial for learning, memory, and mood regulation. It occurs mainly in the hippocampus and olfactory bulb.
LOF - localisation of function
Refers to the concept that specific functions are associated with specific areas of the brain
Central Nervous System
The central nervous system's responsibilities include receiving, processing, and responding to sensory information.
Hippocampus
Hippocampus is a complex brain structure embedded deep into temporal lobe. It has a major role in learning and memory.
Brain Imaging Technology
Neuroimaging or brain imaging is the application of various techniques to either directly or indirectly image the structure, function, or pharmacology of the nervous system
fMRI
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is an imaging scan that shows activity in specific areas of the brain
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a scan used for a medical imaging procedure
How does an fMRI work?
An fMRI imaging scan takes advantage of activated neurons requiring more oxygen from red blood cells. This increase in activity leads to a change in blood flow. fMRI detects these changes.
How does an MRI work?
The strong magnetic field created by the MRI scanner causes the atoms in your body to align in the same direction. Radio waves are then sent from the MRI machine and move these atoms out of the original position. As the radio waves are turned off, the atoms return to their original position and send back radio signals.
Hormones
Hormones are chemicals that coordinate different functions in your body by carrying messages through your blood to your organs, skin, muscles and other tissues. These signals tell your body what to do and when to do it.
HPA Axis
The HPA axis is a major neuroendocrine system that controls reactions to stress and regulates many body processes, including digestion, immune responses, mood and emotions, sexual activity, and energy storage and expenditure.
Testosterone
Testosterone is the primary male hormone responsible for regulating sex differentiation, producing male sex characteristics, spermatogenesis, and fertility
Cortisol
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the two adrenal glands, which are located on top of each kidney.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a tropic hormone produced by the anterior pituitary. The hypothalamic-pituitary axis controls it. ACTH regulates cortisol and androgen production.
Adrenal Gland
Adrenal glands produce hormones that help regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, response to stress and other essential functions.
Endocrine System
The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and organs. It uses hormones to control and coordinate your body's metabolism, energy level, reproduction, growth and development, and response to injury, stress, and mood.
Pheromones
Pheromones are substances which are secreted to the outside by an individual and received by a second individual of the same species.
vemeronasal organ
The vomeronasal organ (VNO), or Jacobson's organ, is the paired auxiliary olfactory (smell) sense organ located in the soft tissue of the nasal septum, in the nasal cavity just above the roof of the mouth (the hard palate) in various tetrapods.
AND androstadienone
They are present in male axillary sweat and possibly in other bodily secretions. Androstadienone improves mood and focus and modulates biological endpoints as well. A positive mood and heightened focus are important for women's sexual response and sexual satisfaction.
EST - estratetraneol
estratetraenol affects several systems underlying human functioning and appears to activate neural systems that are known to affect sexual behavior
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