Unit 2 APEX Flashcards

action potential

a neural impulse; a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon

adrenal glands

produce steroid hormones (adrenaline, noradrenaline) that help control heart rate, blood pressure, and other functions

adrenal glands

all-or-none law

either a neuron receives enough stimulation from surrounding cells to fire or it doesn’t; once a neuron fires, it takes the same amount of stimulation to fire in the future

amygdala

portion of limbic system; linked to emotions and long term memory

amygdala

limbic system

a group of brain structures that regulate emotions, behavior, motivation, and memory

applied research

conducted to solve a specific or practical problem

association areas

portions of the cerebral cortex that integrate material from many parts of the brain

autonomic nervous system

controls glands and muscles of internal organs

blood-brain barrier

the protective layer (made up of glia) that keeps blood and other substances from reaching the brain

brain stem

connects the upper brain and spinal cord; helps regulate heart beat, alertness, and respiration

brain stem

CAT (computerized axial tomography)

series of x-rays from different angles that compile to create an image

central fissure

the long, deep groove on the lateral surface of the cerebral cortex

central fissure

central nervous system

consists of the brain and spinal cord

cerebellum

portion of the hindbrain; controls motor coordination, balance, and posture

cerebellum

cerebral cortex

the outer layer of nerve cells covering the cerebrum; responsible for most higher cognitive functions

chromosomes

structures of DNA that have genes; located in cells’ nuclei

corpus callosum

bundle of nerve fibers; connects the brain’s hemispheres

corpus callosum

endocrine system

the system of glands that release hormones to the blood