Week 1 flashcards

Brain

The organ that processes information and is central to the neural system of humans.

Neuroscience

The scientific study of the nervous system, including the brain's structure, function, and pathology.

Neuroimaging

Techniques used to visualize the structure and function of the brain, such as CT, MRI, and PET scans.

Neuron Doctrine

The principle stating that the brain is composed of individual cells (neurons) that communicate via synapses.

Astrocytes

Glial cells that provide support to neurons and regulate the extracellular environment.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells that produce myelin sheaths around axons in the central nervous system.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Myelin sheath

A fatty layer that insulates axons, allowing for faster transmission of electrical signals.

Multiple sclerosis

An autoimmune disorder that attacks myelin sheaths, leading to communication problems between the brain and the body.

Neurotransmitter

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

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher brain functions such as thought and action.

Cerebellum

A region of the brain that coordinates muscle movements and maintains posture and balance.

Brainstem

The part of the brain that connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls basic life functions.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where communication occurs.

Action Potential

A brief electrical charge that travels down an axon, signaling the transmission of information.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action, often involving sensory and motor neurons.

Somatic Nervous System

The part of the nervous system responsible for voluntary bodily movements and sensory information.

Autonomic Nervous System

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

Central Nervous System

The brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing and transmitting information.

Peripheral Nervous System

The network of nerves that connects the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.

Glial Cells

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

Fissure

A deep groove in the brain that separates different lobes or regions.

Gyrus

A ridge on the surface of the brain, which is separated by sulci.

Ventricles

Fluid-filled cavities within the brain that produce and contain cerebrospinal fluid.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

A clear fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.

Thalamus

A brain structure that serves as a relay station for sensory and motor signals.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain that regulates essential functions such as temperature and hunger.

Hippocampus

A critical region for learning and memory, involved in forming new memories.

Amygdala

A brain structure involved in emotion regulation and the processing of fear.

Broca’s Area

A region in the frontal lobe associated with speech production.

Wernicke’s Area

A region in the temporal lobe associated with language comprehension.

Cognitive Neuroscience

The study of the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive processes such as perception and memory.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A neuroimaging technique used to visualize the internal structure of the brain.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

A neuroimaging technique that measures metabolic processes in the brain.

Computed Tomography (CT)

A neuroimaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed images of the brain.

Parkinson's Disease

A neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and coordination.

Alzheimer's Disease

A progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to memory loss and cognitive decline.

Bipolar Disorder

A mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings from mania to depression.

Anxiety Disorders

A group of mental health disorders characterized by excessive fear or worry.

Depression

A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.

Schizophrenia

A severe mental disorder characterized by distorted thinking and perceptions.

Neuroethics

The study of the ethical implications of neuroscience research and its applications.

Neurogenesis

The process of generating new neurons in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus.

Ion Channels

Proteins that allow ions to pass through the cell membrane, playing a critical role in action potentials.

Neurotrophic Factors

Proteins that support the growth, survival, and differentiation of neurons.

Synaptic Plasticity

The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, essential for learning and memory.

Long-term Potentiation (LTP)

A lasting increase in synaptic strength following high-frequency stimulation of a synapse.

Long-term Depression (LTD)

A long-lasting decrease in the effectiveness of synaptic transmission.

Mirror Neurons

Neurons that fire both when an action is performed and when it is observed in others, important for social learning.

Prefrontal Cortex

A brain region involved in complex cognitive behavior, decision-making, and moderating social behavior.

Corpus Callosum

A thick band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres, facilitating interhemispheric communication.

Default Network

A network of brain regions that is active when a person is not focused on the external environment, often involved in self-referential thoughts.