Domain 2 Mod 5 and 6

Dendrites

the part of a neuron that receives the incoming message and conducts an impulse toward the cell body

Soma

the body of a neuron that holds the nucleus inside and passes the information onto the Axon from dendrites

Axon

the extension of a neuron through which neural impulses are sent

Myelin Sheath

the fatty coating that wraps around the axon allowing for the message to transmit faster

Axon Terminals (or Terminal buttons)

the end of a neuron where the message is sent to another neuron through the synapse

Synapse

tiny space between two neurons where neurotransmitters are sent

What is the All-or-None Law in neuroscience?

The idea that if a neuron reaches its action threshold, it fires at the same intensity regardless of the stimulus strength; if it does not meet the threshold, it does not fire.

What role do sensory nerves play in the nervous system?

They carry information from the sense receptors to the brain and spinal cord.

What are interneurons and their function?

Billions of neurons in the brain and spinal cord that process information, sorting out what information reaches the brain.

What do motor nerves do?

They carry information to muscles and glands, enabling them to take action.

What is a simple reflex?

A response where the message reaches interneurons and elicits a reaction before it even gets to the brain.

Dopamine

pleasure, reward

Endorphins

bodies natural pain reliever

Serotonin

regulates mood, hunger and sleep

Acetylcholine

learning, muscle movement and memory

GABA

a major inhibitory neurotransmitter, increases when drinking alcohol

Central Nervous System

the brain, where most information processing takes place and the spinal cord which is the main pathway in and out of brain

Peripheral Nervous System

sensory and motor nerves that connect the brain to the rest of the body

Somatic Nervous System

Part of nervous system that controls voluntary movement

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of nervous system that controls the glands and muscles of internal organs that occur without needing conscious effort

Parasympathetic System

part of the nervous system that calms the body down

Sympathetic Nervous System

part of the nervous system that arouses the body to deal with perceived threats

Endocrine System

Glands in the body that produce hormones to send messages throughout the body.

Hormones

Chemical messengers that circulate throughout the body in the bloodstream.

Pituitary Gland

The endocrine system's master gland; in conjunction with an adjacent brain area, controls the other endocrine glands.

What is the brainstem?

The oldest part of the brain and the central core of it, often referred to as the 'reptile brain.'

What are the key parts of the brainstem to know?

Medulla, Reticular Formation, Thalamus.

What functions does the medulla control?

Heartbeat and breathing.

Thalamus

Takes all incoming sensory info EXCEPT SMELL and routes it to higher brain regions

Reticular Formation

Place important role in wakefulness and arousal

Cerebellum

Controls Balance/Coordination of voluntary movement

Amygdala

Responsible for basic emotions of fear and aggression

Hypothalamus

Responsible for regulating: hunger, thirst, Fight or flight, Sexual behavior, Body temp

Hippocampus

Responsible for new memories

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of neural tissue of the brain, involved in various high-level functions such as perception, cognition, and motor control.

Frontal Lobe

The part of the cerebral cortex associated with reasoning, planning, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.

Parietal Lobe

Region of the cerebral cortex that processes sensory information related to touch, temperature, and pain.

Temporal Lobe

Area of the cerebral cortex responsible for processing auditory information and is also important for memory and language.

Occipital Lobe

The region at the back of the cerebral cortex that is primarily responsible for visual processing.

Neurons

The basic building blocks of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information throughout the brain and body.

Synapses

The junctions between neurons where communication occurs through neurotransmitters.

Somatosensory Cortex

The region of the parietal lobe that processes sensory input from the body, such as touch and pain.

Broca's Area

A region in the frontal lobe associated with speech production

Wernicke's Area

A region in the temporal lobe involved in the comprehension of speech and language.

What is the primary function of the Frontal Lobe?

Planning, decision making, and judgments.

Where is the Parietal Lobe located and what is its main function?

Top rear part of the brain; it receives sensory input for touch and body position.

What does the Occipital Lobe process?

Visual information.

What is the location and function of the Temporal Lobe?

Located above the ears; responsible for processing auditory information.

Motor Cortex

controls voluntary movements

Somatosensory Cortex

Region of the brain responsible for processing sensory information from the body, including touch, temperature, and pain.

Plasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

What is a case study?

A research technique in which one person is studied in depth to reveal universal truths.

Who was Phineas Gage?

A railroad worker who survived an accident where a piece of railroad went through his brain.

What did the study of Phineas Gage teach us?

It demonstrated that specific parts of the brain are responsible for particular functions.

What does EEG stand for?

Electroencephalogram

What is the primary purpose of an EEG?

To record the waves of electrical energy in the brain.

In what type of medical study is EEG often used?

Sleep studies.

What conditions can EEG help diagnose and manage?

Sleep disorders and epilepsy.

CT Scan

quick imaging tool that shows a cross-sectional image like an x-ray of the brain to reveal brain damage

How does a PET scan work?

It uses radioactive tracers while the brain performs a task.

fMRI

A neuroimaging technique that measures and maps brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

Corpus Callosum

thick band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres and carrying messages between them

What is Broca's area responsible for?

Speaking

What is Wernicke's area responsible for?

Understanding language

What happens if a patient cannot understand language but can speak?

They may have damage to Wernicke's area, resulting in meaningless speech.

Split Brain

A patient who had their corpus callosum severed, isolating the two hemispheres (usually to prevent seizures)

What letters did the split-brain patient see with their LEFT eye in the HEART study?

"HE"

Which hemisphere of the brain processes visual information from the left eye?

The right brain

In the HEART study, what word did the patient see through their left eye?

HE

In the HEART study, what word did the patient see through their right eye?

ART

Which word would a split-brain patient be able to say in the HEART study?

ART