Brain Structure and Function

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the structure and function of the brain, including different regions of the brain, types of neurons, neurotransmission, and genetic influences on brain activity.

Neuron

A specialized cell that can transmit electrical signals to other nerve cells, muscles, or glands.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the human brain, divided into two hemispheres, responsible for many higher brain functions.

Hemispheres

The two large sections of the cerebrum, known as the left and right hemispheres.

Corpus callosum

The largest bundle of nerve fibers connecting the left and right cerebral hemispheres.

Cerebral cortex

The deeply folded layer of nerve tissue that covers the cerebrum, increasing processing power.

Frontal lobes

Regions at the front of the brain involved in voluntary movement, speech, memory, emotion, and higher cognitive skills.

Parietal lobes

Regions at the top of the brain responsible for sensory integration, processing taste, and visual information.

Occipital lobes

Regions at the back of the brain responsible for processing visual information.

Temporal lobes

Regions at the sides of the brain involved in auditory processing and some aspects of visual processing.

Hippocampus

A structure in the temporal lobe responsible for encoding new memories.

Amygdala

A deep structure in the temporal lobe involved in memory integration and emotional responses.

Limbic system

A group of structures including the hippocampus and amygdala that help regulate emotion and motivation.

Thalamus

A structure that integrates sensory information and relays it to other parts of the brain.

Hypothalamus

A part of the limbic system that sends hormonal signals to the body through the pituitary gland.

Basal ganglia

A collection of structures that help regulate complex body movements.

Cerebellum

The second-largest part of the brain that coordinates voluntary movements and helps learn new motor skills.

Pons

A part of the hindbrain that influences breathing and posture.

Medulla

The part of the hindbrain that controls basic functions such as swallowing, heart rate, and breathing.

Brainstem

The midbrain, pons, and medulla collectively, responsible for various involuntary functions.

Neural networks

Groups of interconnected neurons that transmit signals and process information.

Action potential

An electrical impulse that travels down the axon of a neuron.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where signals are transmitted.

Neurotransmitter

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

Excitatory neuron

A neuron that sends signals that push neighboring neurons toward firing.

Inhibitory neuron

A neuron that suppresses the activity of neighboring neurons.

Glial cells

Support cells in the nervous system that assist neurons and maintain homeostasis.

Astrocytes

A type of glial cell that regulates ion concentrations and provides nutrients to neurons.

Microglia

The primary immune cells of the brain, protecting it from infections and damage.

Ependymal cells

Cells that produce cerebrospinal fluid to cushion the brain.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells that wrap axons in myelin to improve signal transmission.

Ion channels

Tunnel-like proteins that allow ions to enter or exit a neuron.

Neuromodulator

A molecule that adjusts neuronal activity and can influence behavior and neural circuits.

Gene expression

The process by which specific genes are activated to produce proteins.

Synaptic cleft

The small gap between two neurons at a synapse.

Neural circuit

Interconnected neurons that process information together.

Feedback inhibition

A process where a neuron inhibits its downstream neighbors, affecting circuit activity.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the axon terminal after signal transmission.

Postsynaptic density

A region on the dendrite with a high concentration of neurotransmitter receptors.

Ionotropic receptor

Receptors directly linked to ion channels that alter membrane potential rapidly.

Metabotropic receptor

Receptors that are not directly linked to ion channels but initiate biochemical processes.

Alpha waves

Rhythmic brain waves characteristic of a relaxed, alert state.

Beta waves

Brain waves associated with active thinking and concentration.

Theta waves

Brain waves typically observed during light sleep or relaxation.

Delta waves

Very slow brain waves seen during deep sleep.

Hertz (Hz)

A unit of frequency, measuring cycles per second.

Neural tract

Bundles of nerve fibers that transmit signals over long distances.

Cortex columns

Organized layers of neurons in the cerebral cortex responsible for specific processing tasks.

Neuroanatomy

The study of the structure of the nervous system.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to adapt and change in response to experience and learning.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A test that detects electrical activity in the brain using electrodes on the scalp.

Cortical layer

Layers of neurons within the cerebral cortex organized to process specific types of information.

Depolarization

A process that makes a neuron's membrane potential less negative, increasing the likelihood of firing.

Hyperpolarization

A process that makes a neuron's membrane potential more negative, decreasing the likelihood of firing.

Neurotransmission

The process by which signals are passed from one neuron to another at synapses.

Cortical neurons

Neurons located in the cerebral cortex involved in higher brain functions.

Action potential threshold

The specific level of depolarization needed to trigger an action potential.

Synaptic integration

The combination of incoming signals at a neuron that influences its output.

Neural feedback loops

Circuits in which neurons send signals back to influence their own activity.

Cognitive functions

Mental processes such as thinking, memory, and decision-making.

Evolving brains

The development of brain structure and function through evolutionary history.

Reflex circuits

Neural pathways that allow quick responses without involving higher brain centers.

Cognitive flexibility

The ability of the brain to adapt its responses based on new conditions.

Signal transduction

The process through which a cell converts an external signal into a functional response.

Genetic variation

Differences in genes among individuals that can affect brain function.

Protein synthesis

The process by which cells build proteins based on genetic instructions.

Neuronal circuits

Networks of interconnected neurons that process specific types of information.

Neurodevelopmental disorders

Disorders that result from abnormal brain development affecting cognition and behavior.

Cognitive neuroscience

The study of the relationship between neural processes and cognitive functions.

Neuronal plasticity

The ability of neurons to change their connections and behavior in response to stimuli.

Brain evolution

The study of how the brain has changed and developed over time.