Neuroscience Key Concepts

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts and terms in neuroscience.

Dendrites

Branch-like extensions of neurons that receive signals from other neurons or sensory cells.

Soma (cell body)

The main part of the neuron that contains the nucleus and other organelles, processing and integrating signals from dendrites.

Axon

Carries signals away from the soma to other neurons or muscles.

Axon/synaptic terminal

Where the neuron communicates with other neurons or muscles, releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

Myelin sheath

A fatty, insulating layer covering some axons to speed up signal transmission.

Nodes of Ranvier

Small gaps between sections of myelinated axons.

Frontal lobe

Responsible for abstract thinking, planning, and social skills.

Broca’s area

Necessary for speech production.

Occipital lobe

Controls vision.

Parietal lobe

Involved in touch, spatial orientation, and nonverbal thinking.

Temporal lobe

Associated with language, hearing, and visual pattern recognition.

Wernicke’s area

Responsible for speech comprehension.

Limbic system

Involved in emotions, motivation, learning, and memory.

Cerebellum

Coordinates movement.

Thalamus

Functions as a relay center for sensory information.

Medulla

Controls basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate.

Hippocampus

Important for storing new memories.

Hypothalamus

Helps regulate behavior.

Glia (glial cells)

Supportive cells that protect and nourish neurons.

Action potential

A brief electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron.

Limbic system

A complex network of brain structures involved in emotion, motivation, and memory.

Amygdala

A structure part of the limbic system responsible for processing emotional information.

Sympathetic nervous system

Responsible for the 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic nervous system

Responsible for rest and digestion.

Endocrine system

A system of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate bodily functions.

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by glands that regulate bodily functions.