Neurobiology Flashcards

Flashcards for Neurobiology Exam 3 Study Guide

Synaptic Plasticity

Synaptic plasticity mechanisms that contribute to the strengthening and weakening of synapses.

Short-term Facilitation

A short-term synaptic enhancement where the postsynaptic response increases due to repeated presynaptic activity.

Short-term Depression

A temporary decrease in synaptic strength due to depletion of neurotransmitter vesicles.

Short-term Augmentation

An increase in synaptic strength that lasts longer than short-term facilitation but is still transient.

Short-term Potentiation

A form of short-term synaptic enhancement.

Habituation

A decrease in behavioral response to a repeated, non-noxious stimulus.

Sensitization

An increase in behavioral response to a stimulus after the presentation of a noxious stimulus.

Long-term Potentiation (LTP)

A persistent strengthening of synapses based on recent patterns of activity.

Long-term Depression (LTD)

A persistent weakening of synapses.

Hebb’s postulate

A postulate that states that cells that fire together, wire together

Neurulation

The process by which the nervous system develops from the early embryo.

Germ Layers

The initial embryonic tissue layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

Primary and Secondary Vesicles

Divisions of the developing neural tube that give rise to different brain regions

Signaling Centers

Regions within the developing neural tube that secrete signaling molecules

Morphogens

Signaling molecules that influence the differentiation and development of cells in the neural tube.

Radial Glial Cells

Specialized glial cells that guide neuronal migration during cortical development.

Neuronal Target Finding

Process where new neurons migrate to find their targets and form synaptic connections.

Chemoattractants

Chemical signals that attract growing axons.

Chemorepellents

Chemical signal that repels growing axons.

Tropic Factors

Factors that guide the growth of axons towards their targets.

Trophic Factors

Factors that promote the survival and maintenance of neurons.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death, an active process essential for proper circuit formation.

Synaptic Pruning

The process of synapse elimination that refines neural circuits during development.

Critical Period

A period during development when the nervous system is highly sensitive to experience.

Retinogeniculocortical Pathway

Pathway which relays visual information from the retina to the visual cortex.

Contralateral Bias Index (CBI)

The ratio of contralateral-to-ipsilateral cortical activity used to quantify ocular dominance and visual plasticity.

Strabismus

A condition where the eyes are misaligned.