Brain Flashcards

What is the function of the Medulla in the brain?

It controls our breathing, heart rate, blood circulation, and balance.

What is the role of the Thalamus?

It regulates sleep, wakefulness, and sends signals to the cerebral cortex.

What coordinates voluntary movement in the brain?

The Cerebellum coordinates voluntary movement, such as balance, posture, and coordination.

What does the Hippocampus primarily contribute to?

Learning, memory, creating new memories, and spatial orientation.

What separates the brain into left and right hemispheres?

The Longitudinal fissure separates the brain into two halves.

What does the Corpus callosum do?

It allows the right and left hemispheres to connect.

What is the function of glial cells in the brain?

They hold neurons in place, supply nutrients and oxygen, and increase the speed of neuron communication.

What happens during the process of depolarization in neurons?

Positive charged sodium ions move into the axon.

What occurs in the synaptic cleft?

Neurotransmitters are released when an action potential reaches the axon terminal.

What are excitatory neurotransmitters known to do?

They increase the chance of an action potential.

What are the major excitatory neurotransmitters mentioned?

Acetylcholine, Glutamate, Aspartate, Noradrenaline, and Histamine.

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with stress and the fight or flight response?

Epinephrine.

What neurotransmitter is often involved in inhibitory actions within the central nervous system?

GABA.

What is degenerate in the context of neurotransmitters?

The combination of many different neurotransmitters can produce the same outcome.