Chapter 2 - The Brain

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from Chapter 2 on the brain.

Neuron

A cell that receives, integrates, and transmits information, allowing for communication within the nervous system.

Glial Cells (Glia)

Cells that support neurons by providing nourishment, removing waste, and insulating axons.

Action Potential

An electrical signal traveling down the axon when the neuron fires after reaching a threshold of excitatory signals.

Synapse

The junction between the terminal button of one neuron and the membrane of another neuron, muscle fiber, or gland.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals that transmit signals across the synapse from one neuron to another.

Agonist

A chemical that increases the action of a neurotransmitter.

Antagonist

A chemical that decreases the action of a neurotransmitter.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary functions, such as heart rate and digestion.

Somatic Nervous System

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

Limbic System

A set of structures in the brain involved in emotions, memories, and arousal.

Hippocampus

A component of the limbic system involved in processing conscious memories.

Hypothalamus

A small region of the brain that controls maintenance functions such as eating and regulates the endocrine system.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter that stimulates muscle action, learning, and memory.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that inhibits neuronal firing and is involved in movement, pleasure, and attention.

Endorphins

Natural painkillers that also elevate feelings of pleasure.

Plasticity

The brain's ability to change and adapt as a result of experience.

Neurogenesis

The process by which new neurons are formed in the brain.

Corpus Callosum

A band of axon fibers connecting the left and right cerebral hemispheres.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

A method used to measure electrical activity in the brain.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of brain structures.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain, responsible for complex functions like thought and action.

Broca's Area

An area of the left hemisphere of the brain crucial for speech production.

Wernicke's Area

An area of the left hemisphere of the brain important for language comprehension.