BoE Quiz - Unit 3 - Biological Bases

Neurons

Individual cells that receive, integrate, and transmit information.

Axon

Long fiber that transmits signals through the neuron to the axon terminals.

Soma

Contains the nucleus and cell's normal organs, the body of the neuron.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures where the neuron receives signals.

Action potential/Neural impulse

A brief electrical charge that travels down an axon.

Myelin sheath

Covers the axon with tubing and helps speed the transmission of signals.

Central nervous system

Includes the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral nervous system

Connects the central nervous system to all muscles and tissues.

Reuptake

A process where the sending neuron absorbs excess neurotransmitters.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that help relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve mood.

Endocrine System

The body's "slow" chemical communications system that releases and transports hormones.

Pituitary gland

Releases hormones into the body and regulates growth and controls all other glands.

Hormones

Chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream and are part of the endocrine system.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers released by neurons through a neural impulse.

Cerebral Cortex

The body's ultimate control and information-processing center.

Corpus callosum

A network of fibers that connects the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

Thalamus

The brain's sensory control center that is on top of the brainstem and acts as a hub for sensory information.

Hypothalamus

Regulates all of our biological needs and drives such as hunger, thirst, and sleep.

Reticular Formation

A nerve network through the brainstem and thalamus that filters incoming stimuli and controls sleep and arousal.

Medulla

The base of the brainstem that regulates important functions such as breathing and heartbeats.

Spinal Cord

A cylindrical bundle of nerve fibers and tissue that connects all parts of the body to the brain.

Cerebellum

The "little" brain at the back of the brainstem that helps with coordination, procedural memory, and more.

Hippocampus

A part of the limbic system that is involved with memory.

Amygdala

Controls emotions such as rage and fear.